Temperature
| Wind | Salinity
| Currents | GPS |
Topography | El Niño
| Tides 1.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO TEMPERATURE: 3.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO SALINITY: 4.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO CURRENTS: 6.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO MARINE TOPOGRAPHY: 7.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO EL NIÑO: 8.
ACTVITIES RELATED TO TIDES: ACTIVITIES
FOR GRADES 4 - 8; EASILY MODIFYABLE FOR OLDER STUDENTS Climate
& Currents | Density & Salinity
| Seafloor & Continental drift | Plankton | Sandy Beach and Estuary All
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FIELD
RESEARCH GUIDES
TEACHING
MATERIALS FOR CLASSROOM
An investigation into the distribution of sea surface temperatures
(SST) as a function of latitude. Students plot a very simple
graph of the temperatures moving north and south of the equator
and draw conclusions based on the graph. Adapted from "Physical
Oceanography from Space" JPL-PODAAC, this is the first
of five investigations relating to our OceanGLOBE temperature
data (the first of three physical science activities).
An investigation of four different open ocean temperature v
depth plots. Students plot data and compare high latitudes (polar
regions), low latitudes (tropical regions), and mid latitudes
during the summer and winter. Extensive student analytical prompts
and teacher guides are included. Students gain an understanding
of how their own OceanGLOBE surface and bottom temperature data
fits into the ocean as a whole. This is the second of five investigations
relating to our OceanGLOBE temperature data (the second of three
physical science activities).
The teacher can choose between several options for students
to look at the temperature of the ocean surface (SST) depending
upon the target audience, curriculum and time factors in their
classroom. Three simple maps show SST in 5C contours, and three
more complex maps show SST in 1C contours. There is a single
world map for both 1C and 5C, and individual Atlantic and Pacific
maps for 1C and 5C contours. The investigation asks students
to create a color code for each temperature range and to colorize
the appropriate maps, as selected by the teacher. The analytical
prompts consider the effects of latitude, surface currents and
upwelling on temperature distribution. Students gain an understanding
of how their own OceanGLOBE surface data fits into the ocean
geographically. This is the third of five investigations relating
to our OceanGLOBE temperature data (the third of three physical
science activities).
A hands-on laboratory investigation of the rateof respiration
of live goldfish in various water temperatures. The lab. requires
live goldfish, thermometers, water and ice cubes. The respiration
rate is measured by counting the number of times the gill cover
or operculum moves in a minute. This investigation links the
realworld temperature measurements students make as part of
their OceanGLOBE field work with the effects of temperature
on living organisms. This is the fourth of five investigations
relating to our OceanGLOBE temperature data (the first of two
biological science activities).
Students are asked to evaluate metablic rate as a function of
environmental temperature. Data are provided showing the rate
of oxygen consumption vs temperature. Students graph and analyze
the data to illustrate an ecological principle known as Van't
Hoffs Rule. The analytical prompts also involve calculating
rates and extrapolating the data based on the trends. This is
last and most complete of five investigations relating to our
OceanGLOBE temperature data (the second of two biological science
activities).
This investigation makes use of the data collected at the local
OceanGLOBE school weather station site. Students consider wind
speed, wind direction and air temperature versus time, over
a three consecutive day period. The investigation leads students
into an analysis of the diurnal patterns at their own school,
and prompts a discussion of the physical mechanisms and science
behind these patterns.
A map of the world shows the surface salinity in parts per thousand.
Students create a color code for salinity values. colorize the
world map and identify major continents and countries. The analytical
prompts are simple, and begin a process of global oceanic mechanisms.
Students gain an understanding of how their own OceanGLOBE research
data fits into the world geographical pattern. This is the first
of a three part series of investigations of major ocean processes
using salinity as an example.
A cross section of the Atlantic running north to south, from
65N to 75S, and running from the surface to a depth of 5,000
meters shows the salinty structure of the ocean. In this investigation
students create a color code for salinity values and colorize
the cross section. The analytical prompts lead students to a
discovery of the major ocean water masses and the physical mechanisms
behind the vertical and horizontal structure of the sea. Students
gain an understanding of how their own OceanGLOBE research data
fits into the cross sectional analysis. This is the second of
a three part series of investigations of major ocean processes
using salinity as an example.
Students are asked to consider data showing the average surface
salinity at latitudes from 60S to 60N, and to compare them to
the rates of precipitation and evaporation at the same latitudes.
Students plot the data on a complex line graph using dual y-axes.
The analytical prompts lead to an understanding of what causes
the various salinty values students measure in their OceanGLOBE
research. This is the third, and most complex, of a three part
series that investigate ocean processes using salinity as an
example.
In 1990 about 60,000 Nike sneakers were washed overboard in
rough seas. As the years rolled by the sneakers washed up at
various locations around the north Pacific. In this investigation
the location of the original spill and the locations of their
landfalls are plotted on a map of the Pacific. The analytical
prompts make use of the dates and distances of travel to calculate
the speed and direction of the major surface currents in the
north Pacific gyre. Use this investigation as an introductory
activity to your consideration of sea surface currents.
In this activity real NOAA data are provided showing the position
of three drifting oceanographic buoys in the Pacific Ocean over
a ten month period. Students use a nautical chart of the Pacific
to plot the pathway each buoy takes as transported by the prevailing
surface currents. The analytical prompts include links to whole
ocean currents as a system, and extensions that involve calculating
the speed and distance each buoy travelled. This investigation
relates to the student's own OceanGLOBE field work by showing
the circulation of the Pacific and it's impact on temperature,
climate and the distribution of planktonic organisms. This is
one of two investigations into currents using the location of
drifting objects.
An investigation of local bearings and distances that uses your
Magellan OceanGLOBE GPS. Students enter a series of southern
California waypoints, in latitude and longitude coordinates,
and use the GPS to determine bearings and distances. A simple
chart of southern California is used to plot the resulting data.
This is the first, and simplest investigations, in a series
of three OceanGLOBE GPS activities.
This outdoor activity uses the Magellan OceanGLOBE GPS to introduce
students to simple navigation, the function and limitations
of using GPS for short distances. An unobstructed open space
at least 1/4 mile long (bigger is better) is required for this
walking actvity. This is the second in a series of three OceanGLOBE
GPS activities.
This is the last, and most complex investigations, in a series
of three OceanGLOBE GPS activities. This outdoor walking activity
sends small teams of students to find a series of "targets"
that are located only by their coordinates and using the Magellan
OceanGLOBE GPS. The investigation requires a fair amount of
advance preparation as described in the Teacher's Guide included
in this file.
The first and most general (and simple) of three investigations
in which students plot the location of tectonic activities.
In this one both earthquakes and volcanoes are plotted on a
world map for the purpose of leading students to deduce the
location of crustal plate boundaries.
The second activity in which earthquake locations from the southern
California region are mapped. The student analytical prompts
include math links for frequency analysis and crustal plate
boundaries.
The is the third, and most complex of three investigations into
tectonic activity mapping. This one includes all historic earthquakes
for the entire State of California, including Baja California
Norte and Nevada. The map might be enlarged and worked on as
a team or whole class activity due to the enormous amount of
data to be plotted.
Ocean depth data are provided from a transect taken across the
entire Atlantic Ocean from North America to Europe. The data
is graphed to reveal the major topographic features of the Atlantic
including the Continental Shelf, Slope, Basins, and Mid-Atlantic
Ridge. The analytical prompts lead to a discussion of the sea
floor spreading of the Atlantic region. This is the first in
a series of four topographic profile investigations, and is
a good starting point to link with general plate tectonic theory.
Ocean depth data are provided from an East-West transect running
from the Andes Mountains through the Peru-Chile Trench system.
The data is graphed to reveal the deep Pacific trenches and
the subduction that causes them. This investigation is the second
in a series of four topographic profile investigations, and
is a good contrasting activity to link with sea floor spreading
in the Atlantic.
Another ocean topographic profile graphing activity. This one
shows data from the deepest point in any ocean: the Challenger
Deep in the Mariana Trench. It is another Pacific Trench lesson
in subduction, but draws upon the natural interest students
have in the "deepest spot." This investigation is
the third in a series of four topographic profile investigations,
a good contrasting activity to link with sea floor spreading
in the Atlantic, and a matching activity to the Peru-Chile Trench
investigation.
For classes that may be interested in our local southern California
offshore topography these data are taken on a transect running
southwest from the coastal mountains, through Laguna Beach,
and across the offshore islands. The resulting graph shows the
series of islands and basins that characterize the block faulting
of the southern California bight. This is the fourth and last
in a series of four topographic profile investigations, and
provides a local focus and a much smaller scaled region to analyze
than the other three.
A map of California (from San Francisco to San Diego) is divided
into a latitude-longitude grid and surface water temperature
(SST) anomaly data Adapted from an El Nino and Normal year are
given. Students use a color key provided to prepare colorized
anomaly charts. The analytical prompts lead to a discussion
of the effects of El Nino on our local southern California region.
Adapted from "Physical Oceanography from Space" JPL-PODAAC.
How
do phases of the moon affect tides? An actual one month summary
of real tides is used to explore this relationship. This is
a math and graphing exercise leading to an understanding of
the science of tides and lunar gravity.
A large file including everything in the Climate and Currents
Lesson Plan bundled together for easy downloading with a fast
internet connection.
A four page written summary of how the Earth’s climate
works, and how ocean currents play a major role in shaping climate.
Includes a full page illustration of global atmospheric circulation
and wind patterns. May be duplicated for student reading material
or as a subject content background for teachers
A one page of the National Science Standards that apply to these
Climate and Currents activities. Suitable for teachers and curriculum
development purposes.
A single page that lists and defines 23 of the most important
terms that relate to student understanding of climate and currents.
A five page activity that uses three detailed maps of the world
(included): global surface currents, global wind patterns and
ocean surface life zones, to make the connection between wind,
currents and climate. Requires student use of colored pencils
and markers.
Students glue together the front side descriptive information
and the backside maps for a learning activity that is based
upon 16 cards, one for each of 16 major ocean surface currents.
Requires scrap cardboard (or card stock) and glue). All maps
and information are included in this twelve page activity.
A two page activity in which students observe how wind generates
currents, and what happens to currents as they encounter islands
or submerged banks. Requires a shallow pan or plastic container,
food coloring, water, and various objects (small rocks or glass
bowls).
Students color printed strips (included) representing the water
cycle. The strips are taped together end to end forming a Mobius
Strip. This three page activity requires scissors and colored
pencils or crayons.
This two page activity uses two jars, each with a thermometer
inside to demonstrate how ocean and atmosphere have different
heat capacities (gain and release heat at different rates).
Ice cubes with food coloring, tap water and hot water with food
coloring are used in an ordinary glass, with a thermometer,
to demonstrate how currents at different depths of the sea are
formed. This three page activity includes a student data sheet
for observations.
A clear rectangular container of water, with 4 thermometers
taped to the bottom, along with ice and food coloring, are used
to show the formation and movement patterns of deep ocean currents.
A bit more elaborate and detailed than Activity #6 (Deep Ocean
Currents). This three page activity includes a student data
sheet.
A six page activity that explores the temperature, density,
salinity and location (depth and geography) of the major water
masses of the Atlantic Ocean. All maps, conversion graphs, student
data charts, and a foldable 3-D model are included in this package.
The 23 page total package containing everything on this list.
A 3 page written summary of how the Earth’s crustal plates
move and, thus, shape the arrangement of the continents and
oceans. May be duplicated for student reading material or as
a subject content background for teachers.
A page that includes the National Science Standards that apply
to these Density and Salinity activities.
A single page that lists and defines 20 of the most important
terms that relate to student understanding of the sea floor
and continental drift.
In this 4 page activity, students observe the freezing times
and temperatures of water with varying levels of salinity. This
relates to sea ice formation. (Note: since icebergs are pieces
of ice that have broken off from a glacier, originally made
of snow, this does not relate to iceberg formation).
Students make a model iceberg, float it in saltwater, and make
observations. One page. Requires a baloon, salt, water and a
ruler. Students need paper and drawing tools.
A simple circuit with a 9 volt battery and a flashlight bulb
is used to test the electrical conductivity of a variety of
solids and liquids in a Petri dish. Students record observations
as each substance is tested. 3 pages.
A plastic drinking straw is used to make a working hydrometer
to test the density of several salt solutions at a couple of
temperatures. In addition to the straw, students use a thermometer,
modeling clay, marker pen, balance, graduated cylinder, water
and salt. An optional second part of this activity introduces
the use of a real, commercial hydrometer, if available. 4 pages.
A four page activity that uses salt water, fresh water and brackish
water. Certain salinities are colored with food coloring and
one can see layers form representing the natural phenomenon
of coastal layering of fresh water runoff or rain with seawater.
A large file that contains the entire lesson package including
all documents listed
A 2 page written summary of how the Earth’s crustal plates
move and, thus, shape the arrangement of the continents and oceans.
May be duplicated for use as student reading material or as a
subject content background for teachers.
A one page list that includes the National Science Standards that
apply to these Sea Floor and Continental Drift activities. Suitable
for teachers and curriculum development purposes.
A single page that lists and defines 20 of the most important
terms that relate to student understanding of the sea floor and
continental drift.
A 3 page activity in which students make a 3 dimensional model
of the ocean floor in a shoe box. Requires students to use salt,
flour, water, glue and coloring. Label tags for floor features
are included. The completed model can then be used for Activity
#2.
Students may use their shoe box sea floor model from Activity
#1, or may use cardboard layering inside a shoe box to simulate
a section of the ocean floor. In this 5 page activity the students
probe the ocean floor (inside their box) to simulate sonar. This
data is graphed and made into a3-D paper model. Requires shoebox,
cardboard, scissors and graph paper.
A 9 page activity package in which students create contour lines
on a bathymetric chart by connecting the points between similar
depth intervals based on soundings. The interval contours can
be then colored in to simulate shallow and deeper depths. Name
tags for topographic features can be cut out and glued in place.
All steps are based on actual NOAA nautical chart for southern
California.
A puzzle made of all the major continents on Earth today. Students
use clues to fit the pieces back together into one giant supercontinent
representing Pangaea, or Earth 250 million years ago. A 3 page
scissor and glue activity.
This 5 page activity has students create a 3-D block model of
major sea floor features and components of the Earth’s
crust. Requires scissors, glue and coloring tools. This is a
great culminating summary exercise for the Sea Floor and Continental
Drift lesson package.
A large file that contains the entire lesson package including
all documents listed.
A three page written background summary of plankton by Dr. William
Hamner, Ph.D., UCLA. Describes the broad groups of plankton as
well as their daily and seasonal changes. May be duplicated for
student reading material or as a subject content background for
teachers.
Two pages that list the California Science Standards that apply
to these Plankton activities
A page that lists the National Science Standards that apply to
these Plankton activities.
A single page that lists and defines 14 of the most important
terms that relate to student understanding of these plankton activities.
A four page activity which involves students cutting photographs
of some common inshore surface plankton, sorting producers from
consumers, and discussing their data. A teacher directed evaluation
session expands the phyto- and zoo- concept and helps lead into
Activity #2 (next)..
A two-page activity. Students make a simple plankton net using
nylon stockings and use it to collect and observe plankton samples.
A one page activity in which students use bits and pieces of common
materials to make and study a model plankton that remains in the
water column as long as possible.
The whole unit package. Includes everything listed below.
A 2 page written summary of the major groups of invertebrate animals.
May be duplicated for student reading material or as a subject content
background for teachers.
A page that lists the California Science Standards that apply to
these invertebrate activities.
A page that lists the National Science Standards that apply to these
invertebrate activities.
A single page that lists and defines 12 of the most important terms
that relate to student understanding of invertebrates.
A 3-page activity that asks students to identify the invertebrate
phylum of examples shown in pictures using a simple dichotomous
taxonomic key.
A 2-page activity that has students observing key characteristics
of numerous different shells. You will need to provide: sponge,
coral, starfish, conch, auger turret, sea urchin spine, tusk shell,
abalone, sand dollar, cowry, snail, scallop, clam, cockle, limpet,
sea urchin.
A 3- page activity in which students observe the differences between
species of abalone then construct an original taxonomic key based
on their observations.
A 2-page activity that encourages students to design an efficient "hydrodynamic squid" from a large balloon and scraps of
paper and cardboard. Squid models are then raced and their distances
and times are recorded and analysed.
This 3-page activity studies the anatomical parts and functions
of fresh clams that have been cooked.
A 4-page study of live crabs in the classroom. A great introduction
to methods of studying anatomy and making assumptions about behavior
and physiology. But this does require live crabs!
The whole unit package. Includes everything listed below.
A five page written background summary regarding Sandy Beaches and Estuaries by Dr. William Hamner, Ph.D., UCLA. May be duplicated for
student reading material or as a subject content background for teachers.
A page that lists the California Science Standards that apply to
these Sandy Beach and Estuary activities.
A page that lists the National Science Standards that apply to these
Sandy Beach and Estuary activities.
A single page that lists and defines 17 of the most important terms
that relate to student understanding of these Sandy Beach and Estuary activities.
A four page activity in which students analyze samples of beach sand from all over the world and deduce various things from the analysis
including the possible geographic origin
A 6-page activity. Students learn to identify animals by the tracks they make on a sandy beach.
A 6-page activity in which students conduct a laboratory analysis of the meiofauna: animals that inhabit the interstitial spaces between sand grains.
A 3-page lab. experiment in which subject brine shrimp eggs to a variety of enviromental conditions and measure the number of eggs that hatch over a period of time.
A 5-page activity in which students learn about estuaries by making a poster with
the variety of estuarine habitats on which pictures of organisms are pasted in the proper habitat.
