NOAA
The Dead Zone
The fifth installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program defines dead zones and how they form. Pupils then examine data from the Gulf of Mexico to determine dead zone formation.
Curated OER
The Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico
Students explore hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. In this ocean habitat lesson, students hypothesis, design and implement an experiment to explain the existence of the "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.
NOAA
I Can't Breathe!
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area of low oxygen that kills marine life, costs the United States $82 million every year. Young scientists research anoxic ocean environments then come up with a hypothesis for the cause of the Gulf of...
NOAA
Ocean Primary Production
A cold seep is an area on the ocean floor where hydrocarbons leak from the earth, creating entire unique biomes. Learners explore cold seeps, photosynthesis in the ocean, and its limitations due to loss of sunlight. They further explore...
Curated OER
The Ocean Floor
Practice reading comprehension by approaching oceanography through 2 pages of informational text. The text compares the ocean floor to the Grand Canyon to gives students perspective, and gives a brief coverage of the earth's crust and...
Curated OER
The Dead Zone: A Marine Horror Story
Students graph dissolved oxygen versus depth using data taken from NECOP Program. In this marine science lesson, students explain the causes of hypoxia. They recommend possible solutions to this problem.
Curated OER
Volcano Lesson Plans
Volcano and earthquake lessons can provide a great way to link science instruction to current events.
Curated OER
Water Density Boundaries
Students create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...
Curated OER
The Perfect Storm
In this weather instructional activity, students read about the mechanics of a hurricane and then complete 4 short answer questions based on the reading.
NASA
Nasa: Creeping Dead Zones
Dead zones are popping up along coastlines all over the world. Find out what they are and the causes of this destructive phenomenon.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Bringing Coastal Dead Zones Back to Life
Increased amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous are leading to "dead" areas on our coastlines. Delve into the details and how to get involved with stopping this from happening.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Visualizing Watershed Health
Using data visualizations that show dissolved oxygen levels, learners analyze the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They will also learn about dead zones, which are aquatic areas where there is insufficient oxygen to support life....
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Coastal Pollution
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How pollution creates dead zones in the ocean.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Lab 7: Nitrates and Phosphates and Algae, Oh My!
A lab experiment, in a series of experiments, that investigates fisheries. In this lab, students test the effects of fertilizers and other pollutants on a model ecosystem. Students also examine 2 years of ocean color (chlorophyll...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Coastal Pollution
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How pollution creates dead zones in the ocean.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Coastal Pollution Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on coastal pollution. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.