STANDARD - SCIENCE AS A HUMAN ENDEAVOR
Home > Standard > Science As a Human Endeavor
Ocean Exploration through Time - COSEE Coastal Trends 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students research the history of ocean exploration and create a timeline of important events indicating advances in technology and our scientific understanding of the ocean.
Less than 5% of the ocean has been explored; however, the ocean is a great resource, so in order to better understand the ocean we need to employ inquiry and investigation. Emphasis is placed on history of ocean exploration and on changing technology.
Education Standards
90+ minsCoral Cores: Ocean Timeline - NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
Summary
Using x-ray images of actual coral cores taken from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, students learn how corals generate calcium carbonate skeletons in layers and what those layers can tell us. Students also relate sections of these cores to the history of ocean exploration.
Less than 5% of the ocean has been explored; however, the ocean is a great resource, so in order to better understand the ocean we need to employ inquiry and investigation. Emphasis is placed on history of ocean exploration and on changing technology.
Education Standards
Where is My Bot? Dead Reckoning and Navigation with Nautical Charts - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students interpret authentic data to establish the position of an underwater robot conducting a survey of coral reefs off the coast of Bonaire. The activity demonstrates how technology (GPS), mathematics (geometry), and geography are all used to investigate a biological system (coral reefs).
The Biggest Plates on Earth - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students use maps of the Pacific Basin to determine tectonic plate movement and differentiate the three types of boundaries that typically occur between tectonic plates.
Ocean and land movement has shaped the geologic features of the earth.
Education Standards
The Drill on the Spill: Learning About the Gulf Oil Leak in the Lab - New York Times, The Learning Network
Lesson PlanSummary
Students explore the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil spill by accessing high quality data-based models and maps on the New York Times website. They also develop a research question about oil spills or clean-up technology and design a lab investigation to answer the question.
Humans affect the ocean and therefore must protect it.
Education Standards
