Oceans

Introduction

Today we are going to search for information about oceans. We do not have to travel to an ocean or find library books to help us. We will search for information right here on our computer!

Directions

    1. Read each question carefully so that you know what information to look for.
    2. Use the mouse and click once on the blue word in each question.
    3. When you have found your answer, discuss it with your partner(s).
    4. Have fun!

 


Process

Let’s begin "swimming" through this activity. We know that most of our earth is covered with water. This water may be in the form of oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, or streams. What is an ocean? How is it different from lakes, rivers, ponds, or streams?

For a minute, think about some of the ocean pictures we have seen in our classroom. Is the ocean water always the same color? Sometimes the ocean looks green or even black. And sometimes the ocean looks very blue. Can you find out why the ocean sometimes looks very blue?

If you have ever had a chance to swim in the ocean, you should know that it’s great fun to jump and play in the waves. You begin at the shore, and as you walk out into the ocean, the water gets deeper and deeper. If you have ever been swimming in the ocean, you know that the water is very salty. I wonder if you can find out what makes the water in the ocean taste so salty. The salt in the ocean makes it much easier for us to float and swim. The salt helps us to stay afloat. That means that it is much easier to float and swim in the ocean than in a swimming pool or a lake.

The next thing I want you to look for is a map of the world. Pay careful attention to how much of the earth is covered with water – the blue part. You should notice that most of the map is blue in color. Try to find out just how much of the world is covered by ocean water. If your body were a picture of the earth, the water would begin at your feet and cover you up to your chest. That sure would be a lot of water!

If you continue to look carefully at your map of the world, you will notice that the oceans are all connected to each other. That means that really all that water is one big ocean! Even though all the water is connected, the oceans are divided into separate bodies of water. Please look for the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the Antarctic (sometimes called Southern) Ocean. Now try to find out, which of these oceans is the biggest? Which ocean is the smallest? Which ocean are you closest to? What did you learn?

I want you to think about your home for a minute. Think about all the people that live in your home. Do any animals live in your home? Do you have any plants in your home? Now think about the ocean. This huge body of water is also a home to many living things. Please try to find and list at least five names of living things found in the ocean.

Now that you have completed your task, take a few minutes to check out some interesting sites. Have a swimmingly good time

http://www.germantown.k12.il.us/html/animals1.html

http://mbgnet.mobot.org/salt/animals/index.htm

http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow8/dec98/

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