Studying
Earth's Oceans from Space
Grades 5-8
(Can be adapted for both older and younger students)
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Grade Level: Elementary, K-2
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Description:
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The study of ocean processes is a powerful tool for developing
student understanding of the earth as a collection of interrelated
systems. Basic principles of physical, biological, chemical,
and earth science and their relationships can all be illustrated
by ocean phenomena. As students study ocean processes and dynamics,
they become aware that although the events they study are often
global in scale, the effects can be as close to home as changes
in our local weather patterns. It is a particularly exciting
time for students to be studying the oceans. Global monitoring
by space-based instruments reveals patterns of change over time
and distance never before observable. Internet capability can
give students access to the same information used by scientists
and researchers, providing real time and historical data on
which to base their explorations.
This kit contains materials and ideas for a wide array of studies
about the ocean. The written lessons cover three main areas;
remote sensing, basic physical oceanography, and a study of
El Nino. If time is limited, each sections can stand alone.
Slides, books, posters, and the large pieces of equipment needed
to carry out specific activities are included. Many of the activities
are taken from the CD-ROM Visit to an Ocean Planet, produced
by the Topex/Poseidon Project of JPL. Hard copies of those activities
are provided for classrooms that do not have access to a computer
with a CD-ROM drive. Lesson plans do include places where movies
and information from the CD can be included as well as suggestions
for Internet explorations.
HOWEVER, the written lessons are only a small fraction of the
topics that could be studied using the materials in this kit.
Kit materials can also be used to create units on biological
oceanography and weather, as well as many other topics. Grades
targeted here are 6-8, but there are plenty of resources for
both younger and older students. So here is an invitation to
look at the materials provided, try some of the lessons, study
the resource materials and then let your imagination take you
beyond the science kit to topics which are exciting and relevant
to you and your students.
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| Designer: Christy Fitzpatrick, University of Maine
Cooperative Extension |
| History: Designed in 2001 supported by a grant from
NASA and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance |
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