Lesson Plan

Sea Surface Temperature, Salinity, and Density

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Sea Surface Temperature, Salinity, and Density lesson plan also includes:

Earth's vast ocean is full of mysteries! Science scholars discover the big-picture properties that influence its characteristics at different latitudes using a lesson from PBS's Weather and Climate series. After completing a background reading assignment, individuals examine global maps that illustrate salinity, density, and sea surface temperature.

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CCSS: Adaptable
NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Give the class some time to read the Background Reading passage, then work through the images one by one
  • As an alternative, provide Internet access to have pupils work individually, then come back together for a class discussion
Classroom Considerations
  • Assumes students understand density and how it impacts the mixing of ocean waters
Pros
  • The resource is engaging and easy for learners to use on their own
  • Each map is full of detail, making them perfect for an in-depth pattern study 
Cons
  • None
Common Core
NGSS