Students create models of how islands are formed by hot spots and then write a summary of their observations and of how they think their model relates to volcanic hot spots and island formation.

Students conduct an experiment simulating an underwater volcano based on reading The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top. They create a desktop volcano eruption demonstrating where magma comes from and how lava flows.

Students examine the causes of tsunamis and observe a table top wave making machine. They make model houses while working in groups so that the can see how different construction types work. They discuss how engineers can design and...

Students examine how earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides can trigger tsunami waves. They determine how engineers use sensors to detect the dangerous wave, and how they help design building that will survive the wave force and water.

Students gain understanding of structure, characteristics, and basic needs of living things and their role in world, identify parts of skate, observe details of skate's body and skate egg case, and identify unique characteristics of skates.

Students import ocean bathymetry data form either the topex web site or text files. They then graph these observations along with model predictions to assess the model's ability to sumulate the observed topographic features of the North...

Students study seamounts and learn the importance of structures to species. In this ocean explorer lesson, students participate in an activity that teaches them how to modify a seamount so that they are more suitable for species. 

Students describe the way hydrothermal vents work. Students work on locating vent regions through remote collection of data about water temperature and density. Comparing density and temperatures graphs, students search for indicators...

Students investigate hydrothermal vents by observing a simple model designed to show that hot water rises when it's heated. First, students listen as the teacher explains hydrothermal fluids and vents. Students watch as the teacher...

Students are given the task of designing an apartment. In groups, they practice estimating the area and perimeter of different shapes. After designing their space, they apply the same formulas to solving real-world story problems.

This site is from the Texas A&M University provides a lesson plan on measurement and properties of the ocean. As part of the lesson plan students are challenged to create a model of an underwater amusement park. Web resources are...

This is a comprehensive website featuring how to build a model that illustrates sea-floor spreading and subduction. It has diagrams and pictures reviewing major geological concepts.

A diagram showing features of the seafloor and a laboratory experiment involving a model of the seafloor highlight this site. This is a good resource for teachers as well.

This Gulf of Maine educational website takes students aboard the submersible Alvin. It includes informational pages such as a project overview, as well as pages about Alvin, hydrothermal vents, and the researchers involved in the...