Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine
Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs...
The Franklin Institute
Treasures@sea: Exploring the Ocean Through Literature
This extensive resource consists of learning activities that integrate language arts with oceanography. Each activity is based on one of seven books about the ocean and are written to be adaptable. Includes writing activities, games and...
National Geographic
National Geographic: Human Impacts on Marine Species
Students learn about three examples of human impacts on marine life: migration patterns and shipping, algal blooms and water chemistry, and marine debris. Some of these impacts are due to human activity in the ocean, and some impacts on...
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: Marine Biology
Learn about marine biology, life in the ocean. It defines marine biology and provides links to games, stories, videos, and hands-on activities on the topic.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Human Impacts on the World Ocean
In this lesson, young scholars are introduced to the idea that humans have enormous impacts on marine ecosystems and resources, and explore the stakeholders involved.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Diverse Life Forms of the Ocean
This lesson allows young scholars to view and draw conclusions on the importance of life in the ocean. It uses student created movies to explore what is going on, as well as identifying the zones and diverse life associated with the...
National Geographic
National Geographic: Ecosystem Imbalance in the World
In this lesson, students build on their knowledge of individual impacts on the ocean to see how the whole system can react to threats and changes. They examine ways in which human actions throw marine ecosystems out of balance, explore...
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Discovering Amazing Life in the Deep Sea
A research biologist at the Monterey Aquarium and a professor at UC-Santa Cruz is interviewed to explain the studies done in the deep sea. Steven Haddock addresses the purpose of uncovering the mysteries of life and environment lying out...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Ocean Portal: Life in the Sand
This article is the companion to the exhibit on Oceans at the Smithsonian. There is good information about sand, microscopic life in the sand, and problems that people cause on our beaches.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Ocean Portal, You Navigate
Delight in the fresh colors, sights, and sounds on this dynamic site on the ocean. Major categories consist of Ocean Life & Ecosystems, The Ocean Over Time, Ocean Science, and The Ocean and You. New information on sharks, a slideshow...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Swimming in Acid: Understanding Ocean Acidification
The oceans are a precious natural resource, part of Earth's carbon cycle. But what happens if the oceans absorb too much carbon dioxide? Many scientists are concerned that the increased absorption of carbon dioxide is causing them to...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Ocean Planet
A series of lesson plans designed to be used with the Smithsonian Ocean Planet exhibit (available online). Lesson topics include marine ecosystems, pollution of ocean water, animal strandings, and literature.
Tramline
Tramline, Inc.: Virtual Ocean Field Trip
In this enchanting site, students will learn basic principles about oceans and will be introduced to an assortment of sea life, both plant and animal. Other interesting ocean links can be found on the teacher resource section of this link.
Other
Seafriends Marine Conservation and Education Centre: Oceanography: Waves
A very detailed article on the characteristics of waves and wave behavior. It discusses the influence waves have on the marine environment and the global climate, the physics of wave motion, the interactions between waves and wind, wave...
Boise State University
Boise State University: Ocean Exploration: Abyssopelagic (Abyssal) Zone
Learn about the very cold, dark region of the ocean known as the abyss. Includes information on the origin of the name of this ocean zone, as well as information on its depth and animal life.
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Glowing in the Ocean
This site focuses on underwater animals that create their own light using bioluminescence. It also provides the lyrics and audio of a catchy tune putting bioluminescence in the spotlight.
Utah State Office of Education
Utah State Office of Education: Water's Importance to Life on Earth
A variety of activities to help students explore the relationship of water to life on Earth. Provides an opportunity to see how ocean levels have changed over time and what effect that can have on living things.
Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy: Coral Reefs of Palau: Nature's Amazing Underwater Cities
This lesson takes students on a virtual field trip to the coral reefs of Palau where they will explore amazing underwater cities found near a remote network of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Learn all about an ecosystem of symbiosis....
Society for Science and the Public
Science News for Students: Motion in the Ocean
This article reports on recent research that explains why corals are in nearly constant motion. Includes a brief video. [0:16]
NASA
Nasa: Oceanography
Join NASA in its study of oceanography and learn about the Earth system, the physical ocean, and life in the ocean. Try out the Giovanni: Earth Data Visualization Tool and access satellite-derived data to enhance the learning experience.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: What Is the Biosphere?
This article explains that as our knowledge of life on the planet evolves, we've come to use the word biosphere as a way of explaining the entire intertwined network of life on Earth. This concept combines an understanding of geology,...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Harmful Algal Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay
Harmful algal blooms occur when algae, which form the base of the ocean food web, grow in massive numbers and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. In this project you will learn how to...
Science Struck
Science Struck: Decomposers in the Ocean: Role and Examples
Describes five different types of decomposers that feed on decaying organic matter in the oceans and that are at the bottom of the ocean food chain.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Deep Ocean Mysteries and Wonders
Marine biologist, David Gallo, shows why oceans are important while taking the viewer on a voyage into the ocean and exploring the incredible beauty of marine life. [8:24]