Essential Questions:
- How do the geological, physical and chemical characteristics of the ocean shape marine life?
- What impact do external parameters, such as plate tectonics, climate and the moon, have on the ocean?
- How has technology changed over time, and what impact has it had on our understanding of the ocean?
- What impact do humans have on the ocean?
Week 1: Introduction to Oceanography
Week 2: Ocean Exploration & Technology
Week 3: Geological Oceanography
Week 4: Properties of Seawater, Part 1
Week 5: Properties of Seawater, Part 2
Week 6: Ocean Circulation
Week 7: Tides and Waves
Week 8: Intertidal Zone
Week 9: Estuaries
Week 10: New England Seamounts
Week 11: Florida National Marine Sanctuary
Week 12: Dark Life in the Dark Sea
Week 13: Galapagos Rift
Week 14: Polar Seas
Week 15: Heading Home and Final Reflection
This course requires student access to certain materials for hands-on laboratory activities:
- water
- salt
- spoon
- food coloring
- plastic cups
- large container (such as a clear plastic bowl, or glass baking dish)
- ruler
- markers
- construction paper
- graph paper
- various craft supplies (pipe cleaners, beads, clay, craft sticks, etc)
- push pin, safety pin or sewing needle
- paper towels
- ice
- scissors