When we think of ocean exploration, many of us have visions of sunken pirate ships full of treasure or mysterious creatures of the deep. What really motivates deep-sea investigation? The first in a series of diverse six-part lessons answers just that. Young oceanographers dive into the more practical motivations, such as alternative energy sources, for learning more about the earth's oceans aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Concepts

ocean exploration, climate change, energy sources, archaea

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Make use of the image and video resources in the sidebar to illustrate concepts and organisms with which the class may be unfamiliar
• Consider assigning a poster or slideshow to go along with group research presentations to tap into your kinesthetic learners

Classroom Considerations

• Plan time for research in your school's library or computer lab
• Review the background materials provided in the lesson to familiarize yourself with the Okeanos Explorer and the crew's research goals

Pros

• Targets seventh and eighth grade science classes but contains adaptations for grades five to six and 9-12
• Individuals generate fun foldables and use them in a whole-class activity that tests their knowledge of why we explore — a great extension!
• Lesson plan includes a wealth of knowledge for teachers and students alike, plus printable resources

Cons

• None