STANDARD - MOTIONS AND FORCES
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Exploring Ocean Observing Systems - COSEE Coastal Trends 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students explore web-based data collected by ocean observing systems as an introduction to the parameters these systems measure.
New technologies are expanding our ability to explore the ocean.
Education Standards
Case Study: Upwelling - Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Summary
Students correlate sardine populations changes with upwelling events using mathematical model output and wind and water circulation data from the Monterey Bay.
Mathematical models are an essential tool for understanding ocean sciences.
Education Standards
The Galapagos Spreading Center - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Lesson PlanSummary
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
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.
The Nitrogen Cycle - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
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
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+ minsSea 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
Understanding Sea Level Using Real Data - The NOAA Ocean Education Project
Summary
Using real-time data, students learn how to access and interpret sea surface height and tide data through a series of five lessons.
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
