Ocean Curricula

Looking for websites and other resources on the ocean? Visit our Ocean Resources page.  

 

Grades K-4

Featured Lesson Plans Ancient Waters: The Ocean and its Prehistoric Inhabitants and From Sails to Submarines: Human Exploration and the Ocean were developed by Earth Day Network for EE Week's 2011 theme: Ocean Connections. In Ancient Waters, students will dive into the vast history of the Earth and the ocean. Through class discussion and hands-on activities, students will gain an understanding of geologic time scales and explore the field of paleontology. In From Sails to Submarines, students examine the history of ocean exploration through human civilization. These activities meet national standards in science and social studies. 

Aquarium Habitats
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students explore the ways that people attempt to create aquariums that provide realistic habitats for marine animals. They conclude by designing their own aquarium habitats based on what they have learned. The lesson is designed for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Baleen Whales vs. Toothed Whales
This lesson from Aquarium of the Pacific explores the differences between toothed and baleen whales and compares and contrasts their various characteristics. The lesson plan is appropriate for second grade and can be adapted to meet state or national science standards.

Changing With the Tide
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about and act out the functions of the salt marsh habitat. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico Lesson Plan Database
The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Central Gulf of Mexico website offers a database of lesson plans created by teacher participants with the COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico project. The lesson plans are organized under three broad subject areas: habitats and organisms, coastal processes and marine technology. Lesson plans are available for grades K-12 and adhere to Ocean Science Literacy Standards and National Science Education Standards.

Dinner at the Reef
This lesson plan from ARKive allows students to explore marine food chains, predator-prey relationships and the fine balance of an ecosystem through a fun and interactive game. The lesson plan is appropriate for elementary school students and can be adapted to meet science education standards.

Discovering Our Blue Planet
"Discovering Our Blue Planet" is an Alaska Seas and River Curriculum activity for kindergarten which can be adapted to other primary grades. This activity addresses the characteristics of both living and nonliving water inhabitants and has five different investigations students can work through. These investigations encourage active observation both outdoors and in the classroom. Students practice recording observations and data, comparing and communicating with classmates. The curriculum meets Alaska science education standards.

Disneynature OCEANS Educator's Guide
This educator's guide includes several activities based on the Disneynature film OCEANS. The guide includes activities that can be done with or without viewing the film, building on themes introduced in the film. The lessons meet National Science Education Standards and include activities appropriate for grades 2-6.

Ecosystem Comparison
In this lesson plan from the Aquarium of the Pacific, students compare and contrast a coral reef and kelp forest ecosystem and identify the biotic and abiotic factors in each. The activity is appropriate for 4th grade students and can be adapted to meet state and national science standards.

Fish Aren't Afraid of the Dark
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students are introduced to the concept of bioluminescence and consider how animals in the deep, dark regions of the ocean benefit from having their own light source. The activity is appropriate for grades K-2 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

From Brook to Ocean
This lesson plan from the Georgia Aquarium explores the idea of watersheds and how they connect us with the ocean. Pollution of any water source can affect our oceans. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and can be adapted for grades K-5. It aligns with Georgia Performance Standards and National Science Education Standards.

From Shore to Sea
The From Shore to Sea curriculum was developed as part of the JASON Project's 2003 expedition to Channel Islands National Park in California. The multidisciplinary curriculum explores the unique ecology and geology of the Channel Islands, allowing teachers and students to learn about the marine and island ecosystems, their human history and the challenges of managing and protecting these areas. The curriculum is designed for grades 4-8 and is aligned with national and California standards in science, math, language arts and social science.

Into the Ocean
In this lesson plan from National Geographic, students learn about the ways marine animals have adapted to live at different depths of the ocean. Students create a simplified model of the ocean's depths and look at the photographs of David Doubilet to explore the idea of how photography can be used to help spread awareness about the ocean and its creatures. The lesson is appropriate for grades K-2 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

The Ocean and Human Medicine
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the medical benefits of two species of marine animals, Bugula neritina and the horseshoe crab. The students conclude by writing speeches about the relationship between ocean health and human health. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Ocean Exploration Museum
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students become familiar with some of the latest discoveries in ocean research. Students complete their research by creating a "museum" exhibit about ocean exploration and by suggesting questions for future research. Appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Once Upon A Tide
"Once Upon A Tide" is a short, educational film that was developed as part of the Healthy Oceans, Healthy Humans project of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. The film was produced for schools, museums, aquariums and theaters to help people understand that all life on Earth, including our own, depends on the ocean. The film's website includes educational "take-away" guides for viewers and curricula for teachers addressing how the ocean heals, sustains and nourishes us. The lesson plans are appropriate for grades 3-5 and align with National Science Education Standards.

Pacific Salmon
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about various species of Pacific salmon and how they spend their lives in both salt and freshwater environments. Students also learn about the salmon migration route and how salmon are able to find their way back to the stream they were born in after living in the ocean for years. The activity is appropriate for grades K-2 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Reef Relief Coral Reef Teacher's Guide
The Coral Reef Teacher's Guide from Reef Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting living coral reef ecosystems, provides lesson plans for grades K-12 on coral reefs. The lesson plans are spirally integrated with each grade level, building upon the previous one. The lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math, science, language arts, art, geography and social science.

SEA Semester K-12 Lesson Plan Database
Sea Education Association (SEA) Semester offers a database of K-12 lesson plans. Lessons are listed by grade level and topic, and many were designed by teachers who have participated in the SEA Experience program. Topics include marine biology, oceanography, nautical science and marine ecology. Lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math and science. 

Shedd Aquarium Coral Reefs Activity Guide
This activity guide from the Shedd Aquarium provides teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically coral reefs, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades 3-5 and aligns with Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Science as well as National Science Education Standards.

Shedd Aquarium Fishes Activity Guide
This activity guide is designed to provide teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically fishes, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades K-8 and adheres to Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards.

Shedd Aquarium Penguins Activity Guide
This activity guide is designed to provide teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically penguins, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades K-3 and adheres to Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards.

Shedd Aquarium Sharks Activity Guide
This activity guide is designed to provide teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically sharks, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards.

Specialized for the Sea
"Specialized for the Sea" is a lesson plan developed by Sea Semester, a field program in marine and environmental studies for K-12 marine biology students. In the lesson plan, students use pictures and create a mural to investigate how ocean animals adapt to their environment. The lesson plan is suitable for grades K-2 and can be adapted to meet science and art education standards.

Taking Care of Our Oceans
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students consider why so many people live near the coast and learn about the impacts of this trend on ocean animals. Students make posters to educate coastal residents and visitors about human impacts on marine life. The activity is appropriate for grades K-2 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Turn a Cow into a Whale
In this lesson plan from the Aquarium of the Pacific, students learn about the common ancestry of cows and whales and what adaptations whales have that allow them to live underwater. It is suitable for third grade students and aligns with California State Science Standards.

Underwater Animals
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn how blubber keeps marine mammals warm in cold water, by doing a simple experiment. They submerge their hands in cold water with and without a coating of vegetable shortening to discover how blubber acts as an insulator. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to McREL standards in life science.

Underwater Study: Marine Biology
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about marine biology as a career, the types of plants and animals marine biologists study and how technology helps them in their work. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Using Photography to Help Save the Oceans
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students explore how photography can help humans understand the impact they have on the oceans by looking at the photographs of David Doubilet. The activity is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

The Water Column: Where do Ocean Animals Belong?
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about three broad ocean habitats -- the intertidal zone, the open ocean, and the abyss -- and find out about some specific adaptations animals have made in each of these regions. The activity is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Waves, Watersheds and Wetlands
Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds is a classroom and community activity guide for teachers that addresses topics such as endangered species, marine debris, coastal geology, water use and much more. It is carefully aligned to the California State Science Content Standards for grades 3 through 8 and includes "Community Action" lessons adaptable for all ages up to and beyond 12th grade. The guide is available to California educators for free from the California Coastal Commission, or it can be downloaded as a PDF.

We're in Hot Water Now: Hydrothermal Vents
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the processes that drive geysers and the uniquely adapted animals that live near hydrothermal vents. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Why Do Whales Make Sounds?
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the vocalizations of several whale species and the special calls of different populations of blue whales. It is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Why is Oceanography Important?
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about some of the important discoveries that oceanographers have made and some areas that they are still investigating. Students make posters explaining how oceanography is important and how it's used. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Grades 5-8

Featured Lesson Plans From Sails to Submarines: Human Exploration and the Ocean, Innovation and the Ocean: Prospects for the Future, and Medicine from the Ocean were developed by Earth Day Network for EE Week's 2011 theme: Ocean Connections. In From Sails to Submarines, students examine the history of ocean exploration through human civilization. These activities meet national standards in science and social studies. In Innovation and the Ocean, students will learn about how humans have used the ocean in the past, examine existing and new technologies involving the ocean and explore prospects for using the ocean as a source of energy in the future. In Medicine from the Ocean, students will investigate the many ways we depend upon the ocean for materials that improve and prolong human life. These activities meet national standards in science and social studies. 

The Amazing Octopus
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about how some animals, like the octopus, have the ability to use camouflage to escape predation. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to McREL standards in life science.

Bioluminescence: Living Light
In this lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about bioluminescent creatures and the underwater world in which they live. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Biomes: Coastlines & Seas
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about the different types of marine coastlines in the Unite States and its territories, as well as the difference between primary and secondary coastlines, their formations and the life forms that inhabit these coastlines. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to national standards in life science.

Blue Planet: Open Ocean
In this activity from Discovery Education, students research facts about marine animals and create an illustrated identification card for an animal of interest. Then, as a class, students connect their cards in a marine food web and discuss which are predators, prey or both and which species would be affected most should one become endangered or extinct. The lesson is appropriate for 6-8 grades and adheres to National Science Education Standards.

Coral Bleaching: Making Our Oceans Whiter
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the different types of coral reefs, the ecology surrounding these biological playgrounds and the impacts that human activities have on them. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Coral Reefs
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about how animals living in a coral reef are uniquely adapted to their environment. The students will write and illustrate books educating younger children on the how coral reef animals are suited to their environment. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to McREL standards in life science.

COSEE Central Gulf ofMexico Lesson Plan Database
The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Central Gulf of Mexico website offers a database of lesson plans created by teacher participants with the COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico project. The lesson plans are organized under three broad subject areas: habitats and organisms, coastal processes andmarine technology. Lesson plans are available for grades K-12 and adhere to Ocean Science Literacy Standards and National Science Education Standards. 

Deep Sea Geysers: Hydrothermal Vents
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about hydrothermal vents by doing a simulation and viewing pictures of animals that live near the vents. They conclude by writing letters pretending they are divers requesting funding for a future trip to study hydrothermal vents. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Dinner at the Reef
This lesson plan from ARKive allows students to explore marine food chains, predator-prey relationships and the fine balance of an ecosystem through a fun and interactive game. The lesson plan is appropriate for elementary school students and can be adapted to meet science education standards. 

Disneynature OCEANS Educator's Guide
Thiseducator's guide includes several activities based on the Disneynature film OCEANS. The guide includes activities that can be done with or without viewing the film, building on themes introduced in the film. Thelessons meet National Science Education Standards and include activities appropriate for grades 2-6.

Earth's Waters
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students review the video Science Investigations: Investigating the Earth's Waters. Students then imagine that they are visiting one of the places highlighted in the video and and create postcards with an illustration of the site on one side and a description on the other. Students close the lesson by discussing the relationship between humans and Earth's waters. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-12 and adheres to national standards in science, as well as McREL science and language arts standards. The video can be purchased from the Discovery Education Store online.

Finding Monster Waves
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the varying sizes of ocean waves, what causes the variation and where to find giant waves. Students learn the parts of a wave and discuss wave height, wavelength and wave period. They experiment with creating waves on National Geographic's online Wave Simulator and discuss how geography affects waves. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

From Shore to Sea
TheFrom Shore to Sea curriculum was developed as part of the JASON Project's 2003 expedition to Channel Islands National Park in California. The multidisciplinary curriculum explores the unique ecologyand geology of the Channel Islands, allowing teachers and students to learn about the marine and island ecosystems, their human history and the challenges of managing and protecting these areas. The curriculum isdesigned for grades 4-8 and is aligned with national and California standards in science, math, language arts and social science. 

Ghostbusting in the Chesapeake
This lesson plan from the BRIDGE DATA Series introduces students to the threat that lost of abandoned crab pots pose to marine life, as they continue to catch animals without letting them go. Students analyze data collected from recovered derelict fishing gear and calculate the loss of potential catch that it causes. Materials and related resources for hte lesson plan can be downloaded online. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-12 and aligns to National Science Standards.

Harvesting the Ocean for Medical Science
This lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions introduces students to two marine species, one (the horseshoe crab) that is currently invaluable in the field of medicine and another (Bugula neritina) that is likely to prove beneficial in the future. The students conclude by playing the role of researchers and writing plans for harvesting the species for medical purposes. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

In the Company of Whales
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about the migration patterns of whales and how scientists are tracking them in order to discover how whales are affected by changes in the environment. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to McREL standards in geography, technology, civics and life science.

Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration: A Curriuculm for Grades 6-12
Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration is a curriculum for teachers of Grades 6-12 that takes lesson plans developed for NOAA Voyages of Discovery and the Ocean Explorer website and presents them ina comprehensive scope and sequence through subject area categories thatcut across individual expeditions. Topics include mapping the ocean floor, deep-sea ecology and human impacts on ocean ecosystems. Each lesson focuses on an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning andis correlated to the National Science Education Standards.

Lessons from the Deep: Exploring the Gulf of Mexico's Deep-Sea Ecosystems Education Materials Collection
The Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Ecosystem Education Materials Collection, developed by NOAA's Office of Exploration and Research, is comprised of an Educators' Guide and 16 lesson plans on deep-sea ecosystems and exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. The lessons in this collection touch on physical science, life science and Earth science topics and offer many opportunities for cross-curricular activities involving social studies, language arts, mathematics and fine arts.

Life at Sea: Careers in Marine Science
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about recent advances in the study of marine life and how the researchers who do this work ultimately affect the health and inhabitants of the sea. Students also investigate careers in ocean research. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards. 

Ocean Acidification
The Center for Microbial Oceanography has created an ocean acidification lesson plan kit containing two lessons addressing the causes and consequences of ocean acidification. The first lesson contains readings, worksheets, power points and a hands-on experiment. The second lesson contains a more in-depth experiment using electronic probes to simulate the process of ocean acidification. Each kit is accompanied by a set of resources which includes narrated power points and complementary scientific journal articles. The kit is appropriate for grades 6-12 and is aligned with state science and math content standards for Hawaii, California and Oregon, as well as national Ocean Literacy Principles.  

Ocean Conservation: Getting the Word Out with Photographs
This lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions helps students understand that geography is an important field that enables people to make sense of the world and prepare for the future. Students will concentrate on how photography can contribute to the process by viewing the pictures of undersea photographer David Doubilet. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

The Ocean's Nursery
This lesson plan from the Georgia Aquarium explores the importance of estuaries and the impact that pollution in estuaries has on the food chain and local economies. The lesson adheres to Georgia Performance Standards and is appropriate for grades 6-8.

The Ocean: Our Global Connector
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the Seven Seas and Five Basins, which have been used to divide the global ocean into smaller entities. They also explore how the currents of the ocean carry people, animals and debris around the globe. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Ocean Planet: Interdisciplinary Marine Science Activities
Ocean Planet is an exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution to share recent ocean research with the public. The exhibit provides an online booklet that includes six lesson plans exploring different aspects of the oceans. The lesson plans may be used to meet content standards science and social studies.

The Ocean and Weather: El Niño and La Niña
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students explore the weather phenomena El Niño and La Niña. They learn about when and where these weather changes occur and about the effects they have on everything in their wake. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Once Upon A Tide
"OnceUpon A Tide" is a short, educational film that was developed as part ofthe Healthy Oceans, Healthy Humans project of the Center for Health andthe Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. The film was producedfor schools, museums, aquariums and theaters to help people understand that all life on Earth, including our own, depends on the ocean. The film's website includes educational "take-away" guides for viewers and curricula for teachers addressing how the ocean heals, sustains and nourishes us. The lesson plans are appropriate for grades 3-5 and align with National Science Education Standards. 

Reef Relief Coral Reef Teacher's Guide
The Coral Reef Teacher's Guide from Reef Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting living coral reef ecosystems, provides lesson plans for grades K-12 on coral reefs. The lesson plans are spirally integrated with each grade level, building upon the previous one. The lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math, science, language arts, art, geography and social science. 

Saved by a Shark
This lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions illustrates the effect that sharks have on the Caribbean coral reef system and shows students how over-fishing of sharks has a ripple effect on the marine ecosystem. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards as well as National Science Education Standards in Life Science.

SEA Semester K-12 Lesson Plan Database
Sea Education Association (SEA) Semester offers a database of K-12 lesson plans. Lessons are listed by grade level and topic, and many were designed by teachers who have participated in the SEA Experience program. Topics include marine biology, oceanography, nautical science and marine ecology. These lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math and science. 

SEE Turtles Lesson Plans
SEE Turtles is an international organization that promotes sea turtle conservation. Their classroom resources include lesson plans for students in grades 6-12 on various subjects related to sea turtles, including biology, geography, world cultures and more. All of the lesson plans come with resources and most have pre- and post-tests. SEE Turtles lesson plans meet National Education Standards in various subject areas.

Sharks
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about the wide variety of adaptations exhibited by sharks that help them survive. Students then create models of sharks with a certain set of adaptations, explaining how those adaptations help the shark survive in its habitat. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to McREL standards in life science.

Shedd Aquarium Coral Reefs Activity Guide
Thisactivity guide from the Shedd Aquarium provides teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically coral reefs, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades 3-5 and aligns with Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Science as well as National Science Education Standards.

Shedd Aquarium Fishes Activity Guide
Thisactivity guide is designed to provide teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically fishes, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades K-8 and adheres to Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards. 

Shedd Aquarium Oceans Activity Guide
This activity guide from the Shedd Aquarium is intended as a resource to assist teachers in incorporating the study of aquatic science, specifically as it relates to the ocean, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades 6-8 and aligns with Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards.  

Shedd Aquarium Sharks Activity Guide
Thisactivity guide is designed to provide teachers with a resource for incorporating the study of aquatic science, and specifically sharks, into their existing curricula. The guide is appropriate for grades 3-5 and adheres to Illinois Learning Standards and National Science Education Standards.

Understanding Oceans
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students learn about how the rising of warm water and the sinking of cool water cause ocean currents and how these ocean currents affect weather and life on Earth. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to McREL standards in geography and science.

Understanding Sea Level Using Real Data
This curriculum guide from Data in the Classroom contains five activities for grades 6-8 that incorporate real data from NOAA. Students learn how to access and interpret sea surface height and tide data. The goal is for students to become experienced with these kinds of data and the tools for accessing them, so that by the end of the module, they can continue to explore data sets driven by their own inquiry. Activities tie to National Education Standards in mathematics, geography and science.

Using Maps in Ocean Research
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students consider a number of ocean research scenarios and determine how mapping might help answer questions related to that research. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Waves, Watersheds and Wetlands
Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds is a classroom and community activity guide for teachers that addresses topics such as endangered species, marine debris, coastal geology, water use and much more. It is carefully aligned to the California State Science Content Standards for grades 3 through 8 and includes "Community Action" lessons adaptable for all ages up to and beyond 12th grade. The guide is available to California educators for free from the California Coastal Commission, or it can be downloaded as a PDF.

Weather and Oceans: Uneven Heating of the Earth
In this lesson plan from the Aquarium of the Pacific, students learn about how different surfaces on Earth retain heat by testing the capacity of water versus soil. The lesson is appropriate for students in 5th grade and can be adapted to meet state and national science standards.  

 

 

Grades 9-12

Featured Lesson Plan Medicine from the Ocean was developed by Earth Day Network for EE Week's 2011 theme: Ocean Connections. In this lesson, students will investigate the many ways we depend upon the ocean for materials that improve and prolong human life and will consider the implications for ocean health when humans tap into these resources. The activities meet national standards in science.  

Coastal Development
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students examine two maps that illustrate the tendency for people in the United States to settle near the coasts. They research environmental impacts on coastal ecosystems and conclude by writing reports on steps that are being taken to mitigate these impacts in specific parts of the country. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

COSEE Central Gulf ofMexico Lesson Plan Database
The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Central Gulf of Mexico website offers a database of lesson plans created by teacher participants with the COSEE Central Gulf of Mexico project. The lesson plans are organized under three broad subject areas: habitats and organisms, coastal processes andmarine technology. Lesson plans are available for grades K-12 and adhere to Ocean Science Literacy Standards and National Science Education Standards. 

Estuaries: Finding the Balance
This lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions examines the conflict between development and the environment and the attempts for a sound compromise. Using estuaries as a case study, students are encouraged to consider the interaction between environmental and economic demands, and to seek a balance that will protect both the estuarine habitat and economic growth. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

From Fact to Fiction: Moby Dick
In this lesson plan from Discovery Education, students discuss the novel Moby Dick and reflect on what makes a hero tragic. The lesson includes a student debate of whether Captain Ahab was a tragic hero and reach a class decision about whether Captain Ahab fits the definition. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to standards from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Ghostbusting in the Chesapeake
This lesson plan from the BRIDGE DATA Series introduces students to the threat that lost of abandoned crab pots pose to marine life, as they continue to catch animals without letting them go. Students analyze datacollected from recovered derelict fishing gear and calculate the loss of potential catch that it causes. Materials and related resources for hte lesson plan can be downloaded online. The lesson is appropriate for grades 6-12 and aligns to National Science Standards. 

Great Barrier Reef
This lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions helps students understand the environmental importance of coral reefs and the threats to reef conservation. Through the process of gathering geographic information about a place (in this case, the Great Barrier Reef), students learn how a "geographic focus" can sharpen their insights about a conservation challenge. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration: A Curriuculm for Grades 6-12
Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration is a curriculum for teachers of Grades 6-12 that takes lesson plans developed for NOAA Voyages of Discovery and the Ocean Explorer website and presents them in a comprehensive scope and sequence through subject area categories that cut across individual expeditions. Topics include mapping the ocean floor, deep-sea ecology and human impacts on ocean ecosystems. Each lesson focuses on an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning and is correlated to the National Science Education Standards.

Lessons from the Deep: Exploring the Gulf of Mexico's Deep-Sea Ecosystems Education Materials Collection
The Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Ecosystem Education Materials Collection,developed by NOAA's Office of Exploration and Research, is comprised ofan Educators' Guide and 16 lesson plans on deep-sea ecosystems and exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. The lessons in this collection touch on physical science, life science and Earth science topics and offer many opportunities for cross-curricular activities involving social studies, language arts, mathematics and fine arts.

Ocean Acidification
The Center for Microbial Oceanography has created an ocean acidification lesson plan kit containing two lessons addressing the causes and consequences of ocean acidification. The first lesson contains readings, worksheets, power points and a hands-on experiment. The second lesson contains a more in-depth experiment using electronic probes to simulate the process of ocean acidification. Each kit is accompanied by a set of resources which includes narrated power points and complementary scientific journal articles. The kit is appropriate for grades 6-12 and is aligned with state science and math content standards for Hawaii, California and Oregon, as well as national Ocean Literacy Principles.

Ocean Planet: Interdisciplinary Marine Science Activities
Ocean Planet is an exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution to share recent ocean research with the public. The exhibit provides an online booklet that includes six lesson plans exploring different aspects of the ocean. The lesson plans may be used to meet content standards science and social studies.

Oceanographic Specialties
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn about the five primary subdisciplines of oceanography and think of questions that each type of oceanographer might ask when conducting research in his or her field. They then examine websites to learn about oceanographic research and determine which types of oceanographer would be the most involved and interested in these research projects. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

The Pros and Cons of Artificial Reef
This lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions asks students to consider whether artificial reefs (human-made objects in the ocean or sea) are good for marine ecosystems. Students look at pictures of artificial reefs and read articles describing the pros and cons of these structures. They conclude by writing paragraphs explaining whether they think a new artificial reef should be created in Florida waters. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Reef Relief Coral Reef Teacher's Guide
The Coral Reef Teacher's Guide from Reef Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting living coral reef ecosystems, provides lesson plans for grades K-12 on coral reefs. The lesson plans are spirally integrated with each grade level, building upon the previous one. The lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math, science, language arts, art, geography and social science. 

The Science of the Deep Sea
This lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions teaches students about conducting science experiments based on theories and using rigorous scientific principles. The lesson asks students to consider the theoriesand methods Robert Ballard may have used in some of his recent deep-seainvestigations. The activity is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheresto National Geography Standards. 

SEA Semester K-12 Lesson Plan Database
Sea Education Association (SEA) Semester offers a database of K-12 lesson plans. Lessons are listed by grade level and topic, and many were designed by teachers who have participated in the SEA Experience program. Topics include marine biology, oceanography, nautical science and marine ecology. These lesson plans can be adapted to meet educational standards in math and science. 

SEE Turtles Lesson Plans
SEE Turtles is an international organization that promotes sea turtle conservation. Their classroom resources include lesson plans for students in grades 6-12 on various subjects related to sea turtles, including biology, geography, world cultures and more. All of the lessonplans come with resources and most have pre- and post-tests. SEE Turtles lesson plans meet National Education Standards in various subject areas.

Under the Sea: The Life and Work of Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys
This lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions helps students learn about recent advances in the study of sea life and how the people who do it may ultimately affect the sea, its health and inhabitants. The lesson is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

Wave Properties
In this lesson plan from National Geographic Xpeditions, students learn the components of a wave, and then discuss the effects of wave height, wavelength and wave period in determining the overall size of a wave. The lesson plan is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.

What's Wrong With the Oceans? Can Photography Help?
In this lesson from National Geographic Xpeditions, students research environmental challenges facing the ocean and think about how the art of photography can help solve these problems, using David Doubilet's photography as an example. The lesson is appropriate for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Geography Standards.