TOPIC - THE OCEAN IS LARGELY UNEXPLORED
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Ocean Exploration through Time - COSEE Coastal Trends 
Lesson PlanSummary
Students research the history of ocean exploration and create a timeline of important events indicating advances in technology and our scientific understanding of the ocean.
Less than 5% of the ocean has been explored; however, the ocean is a great resource, so in order to better understand the ocean we need to employ inquiry and investigation. Emphasis is placed on history of ocean exploration and on changing technology.
Education Standards
90+ minsCoral Cores: Ocean Timeline - NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
Summary
Using x-ray images of actual coral cores taken from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, students learn how corals generate calcium carbonate skeletons in layers and what those layers can tell us. Students also relate sections of these cores to the history of ocean exploration.
Less than 5% of the ocean has been explored; however, the ocean is a great resource, so in order to better understand the ocean we need to employ inquiry and investigation. Emphasis is placed on history of ocean exploration and on changing technology.
Education Standards
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
Designing Tools for Ocean Exploration - NOAA Ocean Exploration
Summary
Students design instruments that could potentially collect water, sediments, and infauna from the deep ocean, demonstrating the concept that new technologies allow us to learn more about the ocean.
New technologies are expanding our ability to explore the ocean.
Education Standards
Aquatic Model Mania - COSEE Coastal Trends
Summary
Using a simulated model, students observe and manipulate the interactions of the components of an aquatic food web based upon the availability of nutrients.
Mathematical models are an essential tool for understanding ocean sciences.
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
Where is My Bot? Dead Reckoning and Navigation with Nautical Charts - NOAA Ocean Explorer
Summary
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).
