NEPTUNE Canada

Seasonal oceanic changes (Grade 2)

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Learning Objective(s)

Students must begin to grow an awareness of how oceanic conditions changes according to the seasons.

Introduction

Students must realise that oceanic conditions are different throughout the globe and change occurs seasonally, weekly and daily. Ask students how they think the climate may affect the ocean. Write words such as temperature, current, storms, wave height, etc...

Materials

• • Large chart paper
  • Permanent markers
  • Access to computers and the internet

Activity

• Create an oceanic conditions chart with the headings -

• Students must get into groups and take turns using the NEPTUNE website (Data section) to fill in the table. Data must be taken at approximately the same time every day/every week.
• Have students discuss their findings at the end of the session (depending on whether the teacher has decided to compare seasonal fluctuations for the bigger impact or smaller daily changes). Relate the climate variations and how they affect the changing oceanic conditions.

Extension

• Add nutrient levels and wind speed to the table for further discussions.
• Ask students to keep a weekly journal of how the ocean is changing throughout the semester.

Assessment

• Do they make the connections between climate conditions and ocean conditions?

Related Website

Tags

seasons, temperature, current, storms, wave height, salinity, seasonal fluctuations, nutrient levels, wind speed, climate