Ocean Exploration Course for Middle School
This guide shares the sequence of suggested activities, lessons & learning modules for a 9 week-long Ocean Exploration class (quarter-long elective), designed for middle school students. It can easily be adapted for an after-school club, a summer program, or a segment of a middle school science course. Lessons can be completed as outlined below, but can also be broken up to accommodate class schedules. The activities are designed for hands-on learning and to facilitate a greater understanding of the need for continued ocean exploration. The beginning unit activities are a good starting point for students with little or no familiarity with ocean exploration. Educators can incorporate all parts of the course or pick which activities are appropriate for their individual students.
Objectives & learning outcomes
Via these learning goals for the class, learners will:
- develop their understanding of how and why we explore the oceans;
- understand the tools and technology used to explore the oceans acoustically and visually;
- simulate various exploration techniques to investigate the unknown by using a variety of activities and lessons.