Curated OER
Predator Protector Game
Students take on the role of an Ocean Adventures expedition volunteer member and are charged with protecting three species of sharks from danger in order to defend the balance of nature in the ecosystem. They play an online game which...
Curated OER
SPLASH – Monitoring Humpback Whales
Students view a video about the humpback whale and why it is endangered. For this endangered species lesson, students recognize the importance of observing and following an endangered species in an ecosystem. Students identify the...
Curated OER
The Good, The Bad and The Arctic
Students examine the impact of a major climate change in the Arctic Ocean on the rest of the world. They use the Internet to research the Arctic region and the wildlife that lives there.
Curated OER
Plate Patterns
Students read about a volcano and use the latitude and longitude information to plot and describe the volcano on the map. They discuss patterns seen on the map. In addition, they color code a map according to zones, plates, etc.
Curated OER
Weather Anomalies
Ninth graders participate in a simulation of a select scientific team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Curated OER
2005 Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition: Unexplored
Young scholars compare and contrast submarine volcanoes at convergent and divergent plate boundaries, infer kinds of living organisms that may be found around hydrothermal vents, and describe ways in which scientists may prepare to...
Curated OER
Fetch Me a Wave
Learners explore waves and how they form. In this wave lesson students prepare a written report on waves and tsunamis then discuss what they learned.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle and Sources of Pollution
Students make an island that has a construction site on it. They spill siulated pollution and trash on top of the island and then water it to simulate rain. They will observe how the rain washes dirt, sand, and pollution off the island...
Curated OER
A Sea-nic Perspective
Students brainstorm topics related to the health of our world's oceans. They create presentations about specific issues affecting oceans for display in a classroom exhibit. They write letters of invitation to guests to view the exhibit.
Curated OER
Starfish
Young scholars explore the concept of starfish. For this starfish lesson, students identify the parts of a starfish and how their body works. Young scholars create a starfish using paint and a cornmeal mixture. They then glue...
Curated OER
Gallery Walk Questions about Energy and Material Cycles
Students state the physical, chemical or biological processes associated with these environments: Pelagic ocean zone, California coat Cave, Indiana Barrier island beach, North Carolina Sand dune, Dunes National Park, Colorado Wetland and...
Curated OER
Plastic Peas
Students consider the life cycle of certain plastics products and propose improved recycling legislation in their own communities.
Curated OER
Island Survival
Students participate in a simulation of life on a deserted island. They apply their critical thinking skills and knowledge of oceans and islands to "survive" and ultimately return to safety. Lesson contains adaptations for all levels.
National First Ladies' Library
Where's Amelia?
Learners examine the life and accomplishments of Amelia Earhart and her status as a role model for women. After researching Earhart, they select another person they think is courageous and write a dialog between the two heroes as if they...
Curated OER
Graphing Data
Young scholars graph lines in a coordinate plane. In this geometry lesson plan, students graph lines on a coordinate plane, and identify the slope. They calculate the volume, area and perimeters of the shapes created on a coordinate plane.
Curated OER
Monitoring Estuarine Water Quality
Students analyze water quality data from real data. In this environmental science instructional activity, students examine how salinity and dissolved oxygen affect the living organisms in the estuary. They interpret graphs to support or...
Curated OER
The Watershed Quest
Students examine their connection to local watersheds. They describe the water cycle and list species living in their local watershed. They also draw a map of their community.
Curated OER
Japanese Scientists Photograph Giant Squid
Students read and discuss a news article about scientists capturing first-ever photos of a giant squid in its habitat. They answer comprehension questions, write a journal entry from the scientists point of view, and analyze a giant...
Curated OER
This Old Tubeworm
Students plot data to construct and interpret a graph about vestimentiferans at cold-seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico. In this deep sea lesson, students plot data provided for the growth of tubeworms. They use the graphs to determine...
Curated OER
Boom and Bust
Students investigate commercial fishery. In this fishery lesson, students describe stages in commercial fishery, interpret data and predict when a fisher stock is showing signs of overexploitation.
Curated OER
GPS Treasure Hunt
Learners explore geography by participating in a treasure hunt activity. In this Global Positioning System lesson, students define the terms latitude and longitude while utilizing an electronic GPS device. Learners view a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Hawaiian Hot Spots
Middle schoolers discuss how plate tectonics and volcanic activity have affected Hawaii. In this Hawaiian lesson, students look at maps and photographs of Hawaiian Islands and discuss their formation through multiple volcanic eruptions....
Curated OER
Reduced Fare
Learners discover the relationship between tectonic plate boundaries and the communities of life that thrive at such boundaries. In this biology lesson, students find that methane from oxidized carbon in sediments provides nutrients for...
Curated OER
Earth Day
Students participate in activities that familiarize them with what Earth Day is, why it is important, and why it is a celebration.