SUBJECT - ECOLOGY
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The Biggest Plates on Earth - NOAA Ocean Explorer 
Lesson PlanSummary
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 Galapagos Spreading Center - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
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
Sands of the World - UCLA Ocean Globe
Summary
Students examine sand samples from around the world and identify the possible origin of each sample on a world map using latitude and longitude.
Sediment Bottle - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students mix a variety of sediments with water in a clear container to observe particle separation based on size.
Mud Is Mud...Or Is It? - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students compare various types of deep sea sediments and evaluate the variables in each sediment type which could affect its suitability as habitat for living organisms.
The Nitrogen Cycle - COSEE Coastal Trends
Lesson PlanSummary
Students put together “puzzle piece” print-outs of the compounds comprising the nitrogen cycle and string the pieces together to reconstruct the pathways of the cycle.
The ocean is an integral part of the geochemical cycles. It is connected to land-based waterways, which transport materials to the ocean.
Education Standards
Carbon Cycle Game - Windows to the Universe
Summary
Students learn how carbon cycles through the Earth system through an online game.
The ocean is an integral part of the geochemical cycles. It is connected to land-based waterways, which transport materials to the ocean.
Education Standards
Density Driven Currents - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students add fresh water to dyed salt water in graduated cylinders or “density tanks” to demonstrate density differences in ocean and coastal waters and how these differences drive currents.
Monitoring Estuarine Water Quality - The NOAA Ocean Data Education Project
Summary
In this series of activities, students use data to explore temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity in ocean waters. In “Level 4,”students are asked to relate environmental conditions to Atlantic Sturgeon migration.
90+ minsIce Volume Changes and Sea Level Rise - Texas A&M University
Summary
Students are introduced to the concepts associated with global climate change and sea level rise through a series of web animation exercises.
Sea level has changed and continues to change over time. These changes shape the land.
Education Standards
