STANDARD - NATURAL RESOURCES
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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
45 minsWhere is My Bot? Dead Reckoning and Navigation with Nautical Charts - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Lesson PlanSummary
Students interpret authentic data to establish the position of an underwater robot conducting a survey of coral reefs off the coast of Bonaire. The activity demonstrates how technology (GPS), mathematics (geometry), and geography are all used to investigate a biological system (coral reefs).
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
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
What is climate? - Exploring Earth, TERC, McDougal Littell
Summary
In this interactive website, students follow prompts to explore the various factors that control global and local climate.
Changes in ocean circulation patterns affect weather and climate.
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.
Your Own El Nino - NOAA Education
Summary
Students use a model that recreates trade winds and upwelling to illustrate the changes in circulation that are associated with the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Changes in ocean circulation patterns affect weather and climate.
Education Standards
Top to Bottom - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students explore the possible impacts on deep sea ecosystems associated with changes in thermohaline circulation resulting from climate change.
Ocean processes have major effects on global climate change; global climate change could have major impacts on the ocean.
Education Standards
Where have all the glaciers gone? - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students investigate how changes in climate are affecting sea-ice, vegetation, and glaciers in the arctic, region. Students explore the “positive” and “negative” results of these changes.
Ocean processes have major effects on global climate change; global climate change could have major impacts on the ocean.
Education Standards
Ocean Drifters - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
Students first learn about the different groups of plankton and their characteristics. Then the students make a model plankton cell which is neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant.
Photosynthesis by marine plants produces much of the oxygen in the atmosphere and uses much of the carbon dioxide.
Education Standards
