Water and Ocean Exploration
All about learning about the areas that cover most of Earth!
Go to Discovery of Sounds in the Sea to explore the different sounds (audio) that can be heard in the ocean. Perhaps it is an animal. Perhaps it's caused by humans. What sounds will you listen to? What will you learn?
Mr. Czarka Explores the Ocean with NOAA.
Watch Mr. Czarka's slideshow from his research with NOAA. What do you learn about research? Would like to do this for your job when you grow up? Read his NOAA Teacher at Sea blog to learn about the ocean plant and animal diversity, the water column, the atmosphere, and weather. So can you! What will you be when you grow up? I love investigating the natural world.
Ocean Videos
We will gather information about the ocean from various sources.
- We will watch videos about the ocean. We will record notes in our science journal.
- We will read articles about the ocean. We will record notes in our science journal.
- We will conduct scientific experiments about the ocean. We will record our findings in our science journal.
Earth from BrainPop, Jr.
- What are the three main layers of the Earth?
- Why is the Earth called the Blue Planet? Is this important: why or why not?
- What are the different environments on Earth?
Ocean Habitat from BrainPop, Jr.
Learn about the three layers of the ocean. Complete the quiz before and after you watch the video.
As you watch, can you find the answers to these questions:
1. What are the three layers of the ocean?
2. What animals live in each layer of the ocean?
3. Where do most plants and animals live in the ocean?
Natural Resources from BrainPop, Jr.
- What are natural resources?
- What is the difference between NONrenewable and renewable natural resources?
- What happens when humans burn fossil fuels?
- How can you help save natural resources?
Extinct and Endangered Species from BrainPop, Jr.
Learn about the three layers of the ocean. As you watch, can you find the answers to these questions:
1. What does "extinct" mean? What does "endangered" mean?
2. What changes have humans caused that has caused plants and animals to become endangered? :(
3. How can we protect endangered species?
Read this article. Look at the pictures. Which animal do you REALLY feel needs YOUR help?
Use this graphic organizer to organize your information. Don't forget to record the citation at the bottom.
Endangered Ocean Animals Research Graphic Organizer PDF.pdfCoral Reefs
Help save the coral reefs. They are an important ecosystem for many plants and animals.
Ocean Currents
Watch this animation to learn about how the water moves around the planet. The way ocean water moves is called ocean currents.
Do you ever wonder: What is happening underwater when you are at the beach? Watch this video from under the water. You will see the water moving back and forth, from left to right. Then the water will move from right to left. Pay attention carefully to the movement of the sand as the water moves. What do you discover?
The Ocean*
Did you know that the Earth is covered by more water than land? Sure is! Don't believe me? Then play this little game.
- First, get a world map or globe.
- Next, close your eyes.
- Then, point your finger at the map or globe. (Don't peek!)
Do this 10 times (trials).
- Record what your finger points at for each trial: water or land?
- Count up all your trials.
- What did you point to more often: water or land? Told you!
This is why scientists are exploring the plants, animals, and everything else about the ocean. There is so much to explore!
*There is only one ocean. You may have heard the names: Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. These are names for different parts of this world ocean. Having these names helps us know the location on the Earth we are talking about. Hmmm...what does this have to do with maps? What can you learn about the ocean? Research the world ocean and find out more.
See the land? Now look at ALL the water. The ocean is vast!
Take a look at some of the exploration and research that Mr. Czarka has conducted aboard the McArthur II with NOAA Teacher at Sea. Come take a look at some pictures of Mr. Czarka conducting research in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Want to play some games and learn about the ocean? Then visit NOAA Games Arcade.
Safety First!
Mr. Czarka in his 'gumby' suit. This suit will save your life in an emergency when you have to go overboard!
Preparing for emergencies is critical for safety at sea. Imagine this: You are 200 MILES away from any town or people or even a helicopter.
No one can help you but the rest of your crew. Your safety is in your own hands. You, the crew of the ship or vessel, are your own fire department. You better know what to do to protect each other!
Interview with Teacher at Sea Alumni at the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Philadelphia in March 2010
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