STANDARD - INTERACTIONS OF ENERGY AND MATTER
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Mapping Deep-Sea Features - NOAA Ocean Explorer 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students use actual bathymetric data to create a two-dimensional contour map of sea floor topographic features. Next, students create a three-dimensional model of the landform on the contour map they have created to illustrate how features are translated from three-dimensional to two-dimensional models.
There is one ocean with many basins and features shaped by the movement of the earth
Education Standards
75 minsThe 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
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
Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students use topographic maps and tide data to predict coastline flooding associated with sea level rise. In a companion exercise students predict the extent of flooding due to storm surge.
The height of the ocean water (sea level) is affected by various physical forces and, in turn, affects coast lines.
Education Standards
Surface Circulation Model - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students construct a clay model to become familiar with the forces which produce circulation patterns in ocean basins and to predict patterns or eddy development with variances in bathymetry.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
Take Ride on the Gulf Stream - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students use ocean observing system data to track and define various aspects of the Gulf Stream.
Ocean circulation is interconnected and is powered by wind, tides, force of Earth
Education Standards
Hurricane Tracking - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Students select a named hurricane and plot its course using latitude and longitude data provided by National Hurricane Center reports to illustrate the concept that hurricanes originate in and travel across the ocean. Students also conduct research on the formation of their selected hurricane and the amount of damage it caused.
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: 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
