June 8 is World Oceans Day, so chart a course for learning. Whether it’s smooth sailing or a deep dive, The Walking Classroom has you covered!
It’s almost summer, so be sure to start the season off with the perfect listening material for a beachside stroll! Start with Currents and Tides (Complete-#141, 5-#77, STEM-#28), Marine Life (Complete-#142, 5-#76, STEM-#34), and The Ocean Floor (Complete-#143, 5-#75, STEM-#27). Then, once students have got their feet wet, it’s time to dive in!
“Current” Events!
Not only was that pun bad, it also wasn’t entirely correct! The fact is, the world has had ocean currents for as long as it’s had oceans! Not only are these “underwater rivers” everywhere, but they’re the cause for many weather patterns.
Try on some of these National Geographic resources on ocean currents for size, or give this mapping activity a “whirl’! Still curious? Here’s an overview from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) full of current facts — from how scientists study water to deep sea current motion!
Just like a current, there’s no reason to stop so soon — take a look at this pair of videos for curious kids. Then, learn about the fascinating mechanisms that drive currents with Go With The Flow, a NASA online game! Caught in a flow? Keep with it, and try this saltwater density activity! Or, for a look at wind-driven currents, try the NOAA’s activity, Ocean Motion!
Life “Under the Sea”!
. . . would make it pretty hard to go for a walk! While walking might be out of the question for many marine animals — and obviously marine plants — they sure don’t seem to mind! So swim on up, and start with a handful of articles on marine life!
If this wet, wild, world of water-dwelling wildlife captivates your classroom, take a look at this teaching resource, or start a class discussion! You might even want to try some marine life games and activities from the American Museum of Natural History!
At “Ground” Level!
Still hungry for more? There’s further to dive yet, all the way down to the ocean floor! Get a feel for the ground down there the best way scientists know how: with a hydrographic surveying activity! You can even check out an article about bioluminescence, or learn about the Mariana Trench!
Take an even deeper look at hydrothermal vents with this interactive! It isn’t usually great to be ‘in hot water’, but one look at this seamounts article might teach kids why many marine organisms might disagree!
More Oceanic Fun!
Bring in some math with this Ocean Zone ratio activity, and take a look at some of the suggested books further down! For more kid-friendly books, take a look at the ocean selections from Barbara Lowell’s Books for Kids!
For students fond of last month’s space focus, try Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact! For kids who like marine life, try The Brilliant Deep or Shark Lady! Wrap things up with a full ocean overview from ClimateKids!
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