Curated OER
Under the Sea - Ocean Mammals/Fish
Students explore the similarities and differences between ocean mammals and fish. The characteristics of the life forms observed are placed onto a graph. The classroom becomes the botom of the sea and is explored to gain the required data.
Curated OER
One World Ocean
Learners compare and contrast the properties of salt water in the oceans/seas and freshwater elsewhere on the planet. They also analyze mixing caused by currents in the ocean, including the effects of warm and cold water as well as with...
Curated OER
Properties of the Ocean: Change
Learners research and create a visual presentation on the seasonal salinity of the Earth's oceans. They apply the research in a simulation of a lab disaster in which they must relabel ocean samples.
Curated OER
Blue Planet: Seas of Life - Tidal Seas
After viewing the video Blue Planet: Seas of Life, students review oceanic concepts. In this earth science lesson plan, students reflect on the effect tides have on living things and conduct research to create a "tidal trivia" game....
Curated OER
The Salt Water Connection
High schoolers explore the hydrological cycle and oceans. They determine the factors that influence the Pacific Ocean. Students research an organism found in Monterey Bay. They describe the organism's biome and ecological factors that...
Curated OER
A Rainbow Under the Sea: How Do Animals Survive in the Ocean?
Second graders, with adult help, create a PowerPoint presentation on a selected ocean animal.
Curated OER
The Search for El Nino
Sixth graders complete an El Nino scavenger hunt. In this earth science activity, 6th graders describe the conditions that create El Nino and compare it to normal condition. They discuss how this phenomenon affects marine ecosystem.
Ocean Explorer
Living with the Heat
Young oceanographers study the Submarine Ring of Fire, which is a series of deep-water volcanic vents that come up from the ocean floor. Learners take a close look at the unique ecosystems that are associated with these areas, how these...
Curated OER
Water Will, Water Way
Students test tap water for hardness and mineral content. In this environmental science lesson plan, students identify the different stages of the water cycle. They classify plant and animals according to the rules of taxonomy.
Curated OER
Take Only Photos and Leave Only Bubbles: Learn About American History from a Sunken Spanish Galleon
Students simulate the research process of investigating a shipwreck. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, and develop and write a proposal for excavation of the archaeological site.
Curated OER
Creatures of the Sea
Fourth graders complete a two-month long unit on the physical characteristics of the oceans and animal environments. They create a "Creatures of the Sea" alphabet book in collaboration with a kindergarten class, conduct Internet...
Curated OER
From the Gulf of Mexico to the Moons of Jupiter
High schoolers compare deep ocean conditions to those found on the moons of Jupiter. In this Earth science instructional activity, students consider the possibilities and conditions needed to support simple life. High schoolers examine...
Curated OER
Glittery Shell Fish
Students find out about varied forms of ocean life, including information on shellfish and how they differ from fish with scales. They identify various types of seashells, and recognize that at one time each shell was a home to a sea...
Curated OER
Under the Sea - KWL Chart
Students create a KWL chart to start the discussion on ocean animals. They practice sorting the animals into their different classifications. They use indexes, table of contents and glossary to find information.
NOAA
Journey to the Unknown
Go where no one has gone before. Learners experience what it is like to be a scientist exploring new territory. Using audio and a scripted text, pupils take a trip in the depths of the ocean. They follow their trip with a hands-on...
Curated OER
Create an Underwater Scene
Students apply knowledge of underwater ocean life by creating an ocean life scene with marine animals and plants placed at appropriate ocean depths.
Curated OER
People and the Ocean
Students view a demonstration of the ocean and what we can do to help it, and also identify seafood items that students would order on a menu. In this ocean lesson plan, students learn how people are connected to the ocean and how we can...
Curated OER
Creative Writing - I AM A FISH
Ninth graders write a letter to the editor about the impact of people on marine life from the point of view of a fish.
Curated OER
Harmful Algal Blooms in Full Bloom
Students calculate the total percentage of samples from the data on the graphs. In this marine science lesson plan, students analyze the concentration levels over a period of time. They suggest ways to lessen the effect of these blooms.
Curated OER
Seafood: For the Love of Fish
Students role play a scenario specific to decision making in seafood management and conservation. In this marine science lesson, students estimate seafood consumption in their state. They recommend new regulations for better fishery...
California Academy of Science
Coral Reef Habitat Match
Different animals live in different habitats, and each animal has specifically adaptive traits that make them tailor-made for their environments. This is true on land and in the ocean. Little ones examine how various marine animals have...
Curated OER
Wildlife
First, biology pupils research land and marine habitats along the route of skipper Rich Wilson's Great American II. Then, using colored paper clips scattered across a colored paper background, they play the predator-prey game to...
Curated OER
Natural Disaster
Describe how plate tectonics account for various land formations. Learners discuss different marine sanctuaries and create a poster about tectonic activity in these areas. They share their posters with the class.
California Academy of Science
Banishing Bycatch
Bycatch is a sad reality for many sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks; it occurs when they get unintentionally caught in commercial fishing nets. The class plays a game using popcorn and crackers, each child will attempt to catch the...