STANDARD - ENERGY IN THE EARTH SYSTEM
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Exploring Ocean Observing Systems - COSEE Coastal Trends 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students explore web-based data collected by ocean observing systems as an introduction to the parameters these systems measure.
New technologies are expanding our ability to explore the ocean.
Education Standards
45 minsCase Study: Upwelling - Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Summary
Students correlate sardine populations changes with upwelling events using mathematical model output and wind and water circulation data from the Monterey Bay.
Mathematical models are an essential tool for understanding ocean sciences.
Education Standards
The Galapagos Spreading Center - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Lesson PlanSummary
Students use a model to illustrate seafloor spreading and the formation of new seafloor using the Galapagos Spreading Center system as an example.
Ocean and land movement has shaped the geologic features of the earth.
Education Standards
Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students use topographic maps and tide data to predict coastline flooding associated with sea level rise. In a companion exercise students predict the extent of flooding due to storm surge.
The height of the ocean water (sea level) is affected by various physical forces and, in turn, affects coast lines.
Education Standards
Understanding Sea Level Using Real Data - The NOAA Ocean Education Project
Summary
Using real-time data, students learn how to access and interpret sea surface height and tide data through a series of five lessons.
The height of the ocean water (sea level) is affected by various physical forces and, in turn, affects coast lines.
Education Standards
Surface Circulation Model - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students construct a clay model to become familiar with the forces which produce circulation patterns in ocean basins and to predict patterns or eddy development with variances in bathymetry.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
Take Ride on the Gulf Stream - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students use ocean observing system data to track and define various aspects of the Gulf Stream.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
The Nike Shoe Investigation - UCLA Marine Science Center
Summary
In 1990, a container ship lost 60,000 pairs of sneakers in rough seas. Students calculate the speed and direction of the major surface currents in the north Pacific gyre by tracking and plotting the pathway of the floating sneakers.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
Investigating Tides and Phases of the Moon - Ocean Globe UCLA
Summary
Students use lunar cycles and tide charts to graph the inter-relationship between tidal patterns and lunar cycles.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
Local Weather and the Ocean - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students investigate the influence of the ocean on local weather by comparing temperatures in coastal and inland locations.
