SUBJECT - ECOLOGY
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Ocean from A to Z - COSEE Coastal Trends 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students create multi-media projects in which they research and report on organisms for each letter of the alphabet. The research is conducted in class and/or on their own over a two-week period.
There is a high diversity of life in the ocean with a wide range of functions and interactions.
Education Standards
90+ minsPhyto or Zoo? - COSEE Coastal Trends
Lesson PlanSummary
Students are introduced to different phytoplankton and zooplankton and build their own dichotomous key through an inquiry based lesson
There is a high diversity of life in the ocean with a wide range of functions and interactions.
Education Standards
The Odd Couple - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students learn about symbiotic relationships among organisms of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through observations and readings of expedition log entries.
There is a high diversity of life in the ocean with a wide range of functions and interactions.
Education Standards
Create a Bacterial Ecosystem - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
In this activity, students mix mud, water, a carbon source, and a sulfur source together in a clear bottle to create a stratified “column” of bacterial communities. Activity requires time to set up in the classroom as well as periodic observations as the "column" stabilizes (4-6 weeks)
Where do the Critters Live? - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students investigate the influence of ocean temperature on the distribution of marine organisms by comparing online ocean temperature data to temperature tolerances of various organisms
Open ocean euphotic zone: The Great Turtle Race - National Geographic
Summary
Students manipulate environmental factors as they play the role of a migrating turtle moving through the ocean.
There are many diverse habitats in the open ocean, which contribute to the diversity of organisms.
Education Standards
Open ocean aphotic/twilight zone: All that Glitters - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students learn about deep-sea bioluminescence through a hands-on activity simulating the deep sea environment and the effect of lowered light on the different parts of the spectrum.
There are many diverse habitats in the open ocean, which contribute to the diversity of organisms.
Education Standards
Open ocean aphotic/twilight zone: Light at the bottom of the deep, dark ocean? - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students learn how organisms adapt to life in the ocean with little light through this role-playing activity.
There are many diverse habitats in the open ocean, which contribute to the diversity of organisms.
Education Standards
Hydrothermal vents: This old tubeworm - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students learn about the process of chemosynthesis and how to calculate age of tube worms found in deep-sea vents.
There are many diverse habitats in the open ocean, which contribute to the diversity of organisms.
Education Standards
Hydrothermal vents: Let’s Make a Tubeworm! - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students create a model of a tubeworm, learn about symbiotic relationships, and compare chemosynthesis with photosynthesis.
There are many diverse habitats in the open ocean, which contribute to the diversity of organisms.
Education Standards
