Measure for Measure Activity Source: Adapted from Joint Oceanographic Institutions in the Classroom, 2005. Background Geoscientists use special boats to conduct research at sea. One of these boats is named the JOIDES Resolution (JR). Unlike most oceangoing vessels, the JR has a flat bottom, a 6.4-meter hole in the middle, 12 laboratories, and a derrick towering 67 meters above the waterline! Why? So scientists can sail nearly anywhere in the world to drill for samples of rocks and sediment from below the seafloor. [Read More]

Measuring Glacial Retreat Activity Source: Adapted with permission by U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS has been studying glaciers in Glacier National Park since 1850. It is estimated that there were 150 glaciers in the park back then, and when the national park was established in 1910. Today only 25 glaciers remain. Scientists go back every year to repeat photographs, as well as to examine the ice and the ecology of the landscape to see how glacial retreat is affecting plant and animal species that live there. [Read More]

Model of a Well Activity Source: Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network, School of Natural Resources, by Marianne Bonnemier Background Groundwater is contained in the zone of saturation below the land surface. The top of this zone is known as the water table. People can tap into this source of water by drilling wells. The depth of the well and level of the water table greatly influences the wells productivity. Objective Demonstrate the relationship of groundwater to wells. [Read More]

Monitoring Life in the Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem Activity Source: NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program and Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, 2006. Adapted with permission. Background The five national marine sanctuaries along the West Coast monitor the health of the rocky intertidal ecosystem. One way of doing this is to collect data on the relative abundance of the organisms living in that ecosystem. Since this is such a big task, the national marine sanctuaries are training students in how to follow standardized protocols to help with the monitoring. [Read More]

Mystery Mollusc Activity Source: “Problem- Based Career Activity for the Mystery Mollusc NOAA Explore Poster” Written by Joyce E. Patterson Stark, NOAA Office of Education and Sustainable Development Problem-based learning is an inquiry technique that involves students working cooperatively in groups solving real-world problems. Students learn how to assess what they know, identify what they need to know, gather information and come to a conclusion. The teachers are the coaches or facilitators who give only guidance on how to approach the problem. [Read More]

Ocean Acidification Activity Source: Adapted with permission by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The ocean is a “carbon sink,” which means that it removes CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the atmosphere. The ocean currently absorbs about one-third of the CO2 released by the burning of fossil fuels. However, beyond a certain level of atmospheric CO2, the ocean can no longer act as a carbon sink without it having a negative impact on marine life. [Read More]

Ocean Currents Activity Source: Teachervison; Excerpt from Ready-to-Use Earth Astronomical Science Activities for Grades 5-12 Objectives Students will map the patterns of the major ocean currents. Students will learn about the influences of wind, water temperature, landmasses, and water density on currents. Materials Tin pie plates Water Oregano or chili powder (or any herb that floats) Paper or plastic straws Food coloring 150 ml beakers Hot plate (if hot tap water is not available) Table salt Map of the world Reference materials Procedure Point out that ocean currents are driven by the wind and influenced by the landmasses that obstruct the flow of water as well as the density and temperature of the water. [Read More]

Ocean Currents Change Our Earth Activity Source: NASA. Adapted with permission. Ocean currents — the continuous, directed movement of ocean water — affect regional climates and alter the biological and chemical characteristics of seawater. Currents can flow for long distances both at and below the ocean’s surface. Wind drives surface currents, whereas density often drives deep ocean currents. Density, a physical property of matter, is mass per volume. Density is not simply weight — it depends on the volume of the sample (the amount of space the sample occupies). [Read More]

Properties of Fresh Water and Sea Water

Activity Source:

Ocean Institute Curriculum Series

Properties of Fresh Water and Sea Water

Rain and Soil Activity Source: Adapted with permission by Soil Science Society of America. When it rains, much of the water drains directly into the ground. But why? Soil is made up of four main components: minerals, organic matter, water, and air. Ideal percentages of each is shown in the figure, but in reality the percentages vary from location to location. Water moves through open spaces in soil known as “pores. [Read More]