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PPT
Curated OER

Oceans: Water, Water Everywhere. . . but Only on the Earth!

For Teachers 4th - 8th
It's not long, but it's thorough! This PowerPoint takes 4th - 8th grade earth scientists deeper into the oceans. They learn about tide and current activity and the forces that drive them. They also discover how wind and the rotation of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Planet: The Case of the Leaky Gyre

For Teachers 7th - 10th
The fascinating video "Changing Planet: Fresh Water in the Arctic," introduces your oceanographers to the world's gyres. They learn that melting sea ice is making the gyres larger, and that the changes could, in turn, contribute even...
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PPT
Curated OER

Message in a Bottle - A Satellite Journey through the Gulf Stream

For Teachers 7th - 12th
The Gulf Stream has historically provided humans with a faster trade route because of its swift-moving waters. It continues to be a source of information and fascination for oceanographers today. As your class views this collection of...
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Unit Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Tomorrow's Forecast: Oceans and Weather [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A lesson unit for Grades 4-9 on how the ocean affects climate and weather. Includes worksheets (also in Spanish) and maps.
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Article
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Oceans' True Boundaries and "Garbage Patches"

For Students 9th - 10th
A deep look at ocean circulation returns a surprise: Currents transport water - and non-degradable, floating plastic - between the ocean basins. Thus, some of the plastic in the South Atlantic "garbage gyre" was actually thrown away in...
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Website
Texas A&M University

Ocean World: Bringing the Ocean to the Classroom

For Students 9th - 10th
Online resource for students and teachers to see information on icebergs, fisheries, coral reefs, waves, currents and more. Provides teachers with learning activities. Has its own ask-an-expert site (Ask Dr. Bob), and provides real-time...
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Article
Society for Science and the Public

Science News for Students: Swirling Seas of Plastic Trash

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the multitude of plastic trash scientists have found on a beach in Hawaii and in the oceans. Explains what a gyre is, and how plastic trash gets trapped in the eye of a gyre. Looks at the serious impact plastic materials have...
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Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Ocean Garbage Patch

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How trash gets caught by ocean currents into certain locations.