Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Ocean Grazers

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore biology by creating a poster with classmates. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the importance of coral reefs to the ocean's ecology and examine a food web of ocean animals. Students define a list of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oceans and Coasts

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students explore the topic of marine pollution. They define key vocabulary words, list examples of marine pollution, complete a true/false handout, read an article, and participate in a class discussion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Are Open Ocean Organisms Structured for Their Environment?

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore biology by conducting an animal dissection. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the life cycle of a squid and other animals that are involved with commercial fishing. Students dissect a squid in class and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Down in the Dumps

For Teachers 7th - 8th
After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...
Lesson Plan
Ocean Explorer

Living with the Heat

For Teachers 5th - 6th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Ocean Life

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore the various forms of ocean life. They research a creature that lives in the ocean. Students use their research information to create a series of HyperStudio stacks about their sea creature.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let the River Run

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars explore the environment by reading a story in class. For this water formation lesson, students define environmental terms such as rivers, streams, gulf, oceans and lakes. Young scholars read the story A River Ran Wild and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hawaii's Freshwater Animals - Species Report

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners explore biology by creating a report for the class. In this oceanography lesson, students research and identify the survival characteristics of a list of freshwater animals by utilizing the Internet and library. Learners...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bad Algae!

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners explore algal blooms.  In this ecosystem and health lesson, students define and describe harmful algal blooms, then discuss ways in which the impact of these algal blooms could be reduced.  Learners work in groups to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living With the Heat: The Ring of Fire

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students investigate the planet Earth's infamous ring of fire and the life that thrives from it.  In this ocean environment lesson, students investigate hydrothermal vents and how organisms thrive off their heat.  Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Imagine a Kelp Forest

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students write a story based on their research of the kelp forest. In this ecosystem lesson, students view a video and research the kelp forest ecosystem. They write a short story imagining the discovery of a new species in the kelp forest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Go To Mexico

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students are able to use the Internet to conduct research. They research Mexican culture and traditions. Students compare and contrast Mexican and U.S. food and clothing. They convert United States currency to Mexican pesos. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Culture Creation vs. Culture Consumption - Finding Voice Through Digital Storytelling

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore the power of media in culture and Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence. In this nonviolence and media instructional activity, 9th graders analyze Gandhi's nonviolent methods for social change and discuss the media's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shark Attack

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students examine the white shark. They think critically about a set of shark facts and predict whether the statements are true or false. Students describe a year in the life of a white shark living in the Red Triangle. They create a...