Exploring Ocean Mysteries is a curriculum that makes it easy to teach the seven Ocean Literacy Principles while meeting NGSS, Common Core and Climate Literacy standards. Lessons are targeted to middle grades and adaptable for grades 4-12. They use the National Marine Sanctuary System as an engaging backdrop that helps students understand their importance for exploration, research, Indigenous cultures and more.
Ocean Literacy Essential Principle 7: The ocean is largely unexplored.
In the Surfacing Ocean Mysteries lesson, students explore phenomena observed at national marine sanctuaries or monuments. They investigate reasons for ocean exploration and benefits to humans. They discover that most of the ocean is unexplored and that exploration is critical for protecting life on Earth and finding new resources.
Lesson Plan
Students will:
- Research and describe orally and in writing a marine phenomenon and argue from evidence why their chosen topic is significant.
- Demonstrate skills in research, organizing information and presenting it to others.
- Explain how their topic relates to the idea that “the ocean is largely unexplored.”
- Explain the importance of ocean exploration, including the benefits to humans and that knowledge helps protect ocean health for future generations.
Ocean exploration helps us better understand natural processes and life on Earth. It yields valuable new information every day, helps us manage resources and locate new resources.
Use this presentation rubric to evaluate your student’s presentations.
