Oceans
Disciplines: Science (Earth’s physical characteristics), Social Studies (Physical environments), English (Research), Math (Add or subtract using decimals and percents)
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Duration: Three weeks
Description: An urban school setting consisting of mostly minority students in a general education classroom.
Brainstorming Cognitive Map: (See attached paper)
Content Overview:
The Ocean is the great body of water that covers 71 per cent of the earth’s surface. It is also referred to as the sea. The world is really one huge ocean, broken here and there by islands that we call continents. The ocean is so large that you can sail across it for days without seeing any land. It is also very deep with the bottom lying more than six miles below the surface.
It is important to have an understanding of the ocean because it directly or indirectly affects all life on earth. Although we in the United States only get a small proportion of our food from the ocean, there are many nations that border the sea and depend highly on it. There are also many nations who are struggling for fresh water supplies. Although only a small amount of freshwater can be obtained from saltwater, scientists are working on new methods that will enable them to do so more efficiently. Other products like seaweed can be used to make many food products such as ice cream, candy, jellies, and salad dressing. More importantly, it is a vital ingredient in many medicinal products. The Sea is also a source of energy. And we someday will be able to use it to light our homes and run factories.
There are five oceans in the world. The three great ones are the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. The Pacific is the largest and deepest covering about a third of the earth’s surface. The word Pacific means peaceful yet some of the most disastrous storms on earth blow out of it. The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest body of water in the world. The main industrial nations lie on the coasts of it making it the most important ocean for trade. The Indian Ocean borders Australia, Africa, and the East Indies. The other two oceans the Arctic and Antarctic are at opposite ends of the world. The Arctic lies on top of the world north of Asia, Europe, and North America. The Antarctic Ocean surrounds Antarctica.
The Ocean is home for all sorts of plants and animals.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the disciplines of science, social studies, english, and math.
- Describes an urban school setting consisting of mostly minority students in a general education classroom.
- Explains that students will learn to appreciate all the many contributions that the ocean provides for us.
- Explains that students will develop a concept of how much of our earth is occupied by the five oceans.
- Explains that the waiter will give a check adding up the total price including tax to the customer.
- Explains that the owner will have to give the correct change if necessary. all participants must agree on the calculations before the roles change.
- Explains that the ocean covers 71% of the earth's surface and is a source of energy, food, and energy.
- Explains that students will become familiar with the many fun activities that are available at the beach, and the things that they can do to protect our oceans.
- Explains that the teacher will hand out outlined pictures of common fish that are popular in u.s. diets, color each fish, cut each out, and create a seafood menu.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- argumentative
- opinion
- Oceansexplanatory essayOceans Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that has liquid water. The ocean contains ninety seven percent of the earth’s water and covers almost three quarters of the planet. There are four different oceans, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and the Arctic. Tides and currents occur in all three of these oceans. Many different kinds of fish and mammals also make their homes in these oceans.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that earth is the only planet in the solar system that has liquid water. there are four different oceans, the pacific, atlantic, indian, and the arctic.
- Explains that all oceans contain salt water and other minerals. the pacific ocean is the largest body of water in the world.
- Explains that tides occur when large bodies of water rise and fall due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
- Explains that ocean water becomes salty as water flows in rivers, it picks up small amount of mineral salts from rocks and soil of the riverbeds. the water leaves by evaporating, but the salt remains dissolved in the ocean.
- Explains that many of the oceans fish use corals as a nursery and shelter, while other creatures like sharks and eels can find homes there too.
- Explains that the ocean is one of the main attractions in human lives all around the world.
- Opines that oceans play a major role in the world's existence. without them, life would be different.
680 wordsRead More - Oceans in Crisisanalytical essayOceans are such so vast that people underestimate the impact their actions —seeming so insignificant— have on them. Humans have by and large taken the oceans for granted; not considering how important a healthy ocean is to our survival. A popular mind-set is that the oceans are a bottomless supply of fish, natural resources, and an infinite waste dump. There are myriad reasons why the oceans should be saved and the most obvious one is marine life. With 71% of the Earth being covered by water, it is obvious that sea creatures are predominant form of life, making up 80% of the species of life on Earth. However, as important as marine life is, that is not the only reason why saving the oceans is crucial. The ocean floor provides natural resources such as, oil, natural gas, petroleum, minerals, medications, and ingredients for foods and products. The economic benefits of the oceans are huge and significant, as well. Fishing and fish products have provided employment to 38 million people and have generated about $124 billion in economic benefits. However, oceans are on the verge of crisis, marine life, natural resources, transportation, the economy, and important ingredients are at risk due to overfishing, pollution, and acidification. Thus, in this essay I will argue that, oceans are not impervious to human activity and threatening the health of the ocean threatens the health of humanity, since oceans key to our survival.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that oceans are not impervious to human activity and threatening the health of humanity.
- Explains that 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources. the ocean reprocesses nitrogen compounds into nitrous oxide, which is 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
- Narrates clover's book, the end of the line: how overfishing is changing the world and what we do.
- Argues that overfishing is the most major problem related to oceans, but it's also overlooked. in his book the end of the line, charles clover points out that large species of fish have declined by 90 percent over 50 years.
- Argues that agriculture is the leading threat to water quality in the united states.
1833 wordsRead More - Our oceans are the most productive and more than likely the most helpful environment on the planet today. Oceans not only supply our ozone with life supporting oxygen, control the earth’s weather patterns, it also is home to over a million different species ranging from mammals, invertebrates, to microscopic plankton. The ocean is a very diverse environment and it is very important to keep the ocean and all off its creatures alive and healthy. There are many reasons for this, but the main reason is that what we do in our waters will directly effect the way we live.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the importance of preserving the health and diversity of the world's oceans. oceans supply our ozone with life supporting oxygen, control the earth’s weather patterns, and are home to over a million different species.
- Explains that the oceans are being over fished and fish populations are dwindling more rapidly than ever.
- Explains that oil spills and pollution can be the cause of death too much of the local marine life. an oil slick can cover up to 50 square miles polluting, and damaging all the ecosystems
- Explains that even though oil spills are not an everyday ordeal, the seepage of toxic chemicals and waste filtrates into our ocean with devastating results.
- Opines that what we do in our oceans will more than likely come back and get us 2 fold of that we did to the marine life. the marine creatures don't deserve it and never will.
342 wordsRead More - The Great Pacific Garbage Patchanalytical essayWhile a beautiful sunset on the beach can be astounding, a spectacular scene is not the only benefit oceans provide. Without the oceans, we would not have adequate amounts of oxygen to breathe or enough protein to eat. The Earth's climate would not be inhabitable for human beings and many animals. The oceans supply medicines, food and drinking water which arise from ocean processes. Out of the five oceans, the Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest and deepest ocean. It spreads over an area of 165.2 million square kilometers. More than 25,000 islands float within the Pacific. Within the Pacific Ocean lies an unusual island, an island that is more than twice the size of Texas and is earth’s largest landfill, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (McLendon). Society is unaware that the excess use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials has ended up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the main source of ocean pollution. The solutions, ranging from manual clean-up to eliminating any further obliteration to the Garbage Patch, will reduce the amount of effluence the world has to endure.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there are various solutions to restoring the oceans cleanliness and marine lives safety.
- Argues that the best solution to restoring the oceans cleanliness and marine lives safety is to reduce the demand of plastic and recycle.
- Explains that there are various solutions to help better ocean cleanliness and save the lives of marine animals, such as reducing the production of plastic and issuing an obligatory recycling law.
- Explains that the pacific ocean is the world's largest and deepest ocean. the great pacific garbage patch collects trash along a strip that connects the eastern and western gyres.
- Opines that increasing cleaning efforts would be helpful in cleaning up the shores and allowing people to go to beaches and protect boat equipment.
- Explains that the great pacific garbage patch is the environmental horror in the pacific ocean.
1285 wordsRead More - Attack of the Sea Urchins and Other Thingsargumentative essayRobbins, Michael W. "The Fate of the Ocean: The Catch." Mother Jones Vol. 31, No. 2. March/April 2006: 49+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that oceans, the beautiful blue gems of our world, are full of bountiful resources. overfishing causes many problems from ecological issues to social issues.
- Explains that americans are eating more fish, increasing the demand for fish. the average person in 1980 ate 12.4 pounds of fish per year and increased to 15.8 in 2010.
- Analyzes how over fishing of spiny rock lobster and snapper in the waters near an island in new zealand caused the population of a species of sea urchin to explode.
- Explains that marine reserves are off limits to fishing, so scientists can see the difference between what the normal population should be and goat island's density.
- Quotes michael w. robbins' article "the fate of the ocean: the catch." he interviews boat owners who have to carry around briefcases filled with regulatory documents.
- Explains that commercial fishing can cause overfishing, but recreational fishermen can also have an impact. warne kennedy showed that populations of certain fish species became rare.
- Opines that technology is better for commercial fishing operations, as stated in an article on fisheries and oceans canada's web site.
- Predicts that as the years go by over fish is going to get worse: people will eat more fish, ecosystems will continue to deteriorate, fisherman will have to carry around filing cabinets full of regulation documents, and sea urchins
- Cites the department of agriculture's statistical abstract of the u.s. 2014 online edition.
565 wordsRead More - Water Pollution: Plastic in the Oceanargumentative essayThe ocean is an abundant source of life. It is home to thousand of different creatures, provides a great source of food, and provides the earth with about one half of the oxygen needed to sustain life. (National Geographic) Pollution especially plastic, is a catastrophic problem. Ironically plastic, which is a material designed to last forever is generally used for things we tend to throw away. Every year about one hundred to two hundred billion pounds of plastic are manufactured. Only 31% of that plastic is actually recycled. Biomass packaging estimates 10% of that plastic ends up in the ocean annually. About 20% of it coming from ships and other platforms, and the other 80% coming from land derived sources, such as international garbage dumping, winds or tides either way it finds its way to the ocean.(Biomass Packaging Co., et al)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that plastic in the ocean does not biodegrade, it only breaks down into smaller pieces, and some pieces are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye.
- States that the national resource defense council is working on three key strategies to eliminate plastic water pollution in the u.s. and beyond.
- Explains andrews, gianna, "plastic in the ocean affecting human health". professional development for geosciences faculty.
- Argues that water pollution has had irreversible effects on the oceans ecosystem, and that stricter laws should be introduced to regulate human pollution.
- Explains that plankton supports everything in or living off the ocean, directly or indirectly. the ingesting of plastic debris affects the smallest to the largest of animals.
- Suggests ways to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans, such as reducing disposables and recycling plastic. the world must wake up and realize this problem is not going away by itself.
- Cites roach's article, "source of half’s earths oxygen gets little credit."
1110 wordsRead More - The US Ocean Commission's Proposed Recommendations To Address the Health and Management of Our Oceansopinion essayIn 2004 The US Ocean Commission proposed several critical recommendations to address the health and management of our oceans. These recommendations range from better organization of current management offices to education of the public on issues pertaining to oceans and coastal areas. The importance of healthy oceans, waterways, and coastal areas cannot be denied. As humans we rely on these areas for food, fuel, materials for various products, and recreation just to name a few. Aside from the human aspect the health of the earth’s oceans is also bound to the air and land. Many other creatures throughout the world depend on a harmonious balance of the human species with the waters that surrounds us. The sooner we can find equilibrium with nature, the sooner we can rest assured that the oceans will continue to support us well into the future.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the us ocean council recommends a project called integrated ocean observing system to improve scientific knowledge and data.
- Recommends a coordinated management regime for federal waters and measurable water pollution reduction goals for nonpoint sources.
- Opines that separating assessment and allocation, improving the regional fishery management council system, and exploring dedicated access privileges is critical for the stability of our fisheries.
- Recommends the creation of a national ocean council, chaired by an assistant to the president, and the establishment of the presidential council of advisors on ocean policy.
- Explains the importance of educating the public on the dynamics of how run off and watersheds carry pollutants from their yards into main bodies of water.
- Opines that the us should work more closely with the un on laws pertaining to the seas and management of ocean resources.
- Cites the us ocean counsel (2004) and us dept. commerce's integrated ocean observing system the basics.
1866 wordsRead More - Ocean Symbolism In The Awakeninganalytical essayThroughout the novel, the ocean is implement on several different occasions. From the beginning of the novel to the end of Edna’s life, the ocean symbolizes the same concept, which is freedom. When in the ocean, Edna can feel the depth of the universe and she begins to realize the opportunities that the world has to offer. Once Edna learns how to swim, she gains a
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how kate chopin's the awakening includes symbols such as the ocean, a wedding ring, and bird to illustrate how women are oppressed by societies expectations and how marriage has become symbolic of control instead of love.
- Analyzes how chopin compares edna to a child who is beginning to learn how to complete task alone and for herself. the ocean awakens her to realize the possibilities within the universe.
- Analyzes how edna discovers her independence when she feels like some power gave her the ability to control her body and soul, giving her motivation to swim to where no woman had swum before.
- Analyzes how edna's outburst when she threw her wedding ring off of her finger and attempted to crush it symbolizes freedom.
- Analyzes how mademoiselle reisz compares edna to a bird which symbolizes her strength, bravery, and fate.
- Analyzes how chopin uses symbolism in the awakening to exhibit the oppression which society presses on the individual. she emphasizes that women are not property, they are individuals who can and should live how they wish.
1075 wordsRead More - The Nature and Role of the Ocean in the Medieval Imaginationanalytical essayThe ocean in medieval times was a thing of great mystery to the ordinary medieval peasant. However to the explorers, the church and the educated the sea was a dangerous place. The ocean began to fascinate people in the time of the early Greeks. The Titans ruled the earth in the beginning, and Oceanus, son of Uranus and Gaea was one of them.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the ocean in medieval times was a mystery to the ordinary medieval peasant, but to explorers, the church and the educated the sea was dangerous.
- Explains that homer salutes the essence of all things, even the gods, and regards him as a divinity whose power was inferior to none but zeus. odysseus learns about the entrance to the land of the dead.
- Explains that the desert fathers were holy men who became disillusioned with the materialistic culture of the time. they were sought out by people wanting guidance and became famous for their way of life.
- Analyzes how adamn refers to a certain báit'n who asked for st. columba's blessing before setting out in search of the desert place in the sea.
- Describes how the monks formed monasteries on remote islands off the irish coast, leaving their families and friends to do good work for god and the church.
- Explains that the idea of penance and exile is closely tied up to white martyrdom, where civilians were there to repent for their sins. they spent a certain length of time there, sharing the harsh living conditions of the monks
- Narrates how three irishmen came to king alfred in a boat without any oars from ireland which they had left secretly because they wished for love of god to be in exile.
- Explains that greek elysia sent many men to their deaths in a vain attempt to find paradise. the atlantic was seen as the western frontier between the real and the spiritual.
- Explains that saint patrick exiles macc cuill moccu greccae for wanting to commit murder.
- Explains that deorad was a form of forced exile that was common in the early christian period for sinners. they died at sea, drowning or starving, but sometimes came to land and survived.
- Explains how the irish monks discovered many n. atlantic islands like the faeroes and iceland, even though their discovery has since been attributed to the norse explorers of the eighth and ninth centuries.
- Analyzes how brochado's "the discovery of the atlantic" gives a good explanation for the mysterious nature of seas.
- Explains that the sea was seen as a dangerous place, full of mythological creatures such as leviathan or livjatan in christian and hebrew scripture.
- Explains that hell is found in the arctic ocean, though, according to archbishop vasiliy, there is the never sleeping worm, grinding of teeth, morg, or the river of lightning. the church imposed restrictions on measuring the depth of the sea because of their belief in these writings.
- Explains that the earth is divided into five zones, separated by an impassable area of intense heat.
- Explains that oceanic currents originate in the middle torrid zone, and violent collisions around the north and south poles result in ebbs and flows.
- Explains that the idea of the four "islands" dates back to the work of crates of mallos, a greek who wrote in the second century bc.
- Explains that the scandinavians were relatively independent of greek geographers because the roman empire, along with its education system, did not extend that far north.
- Explains that felix fabri described the sea as being of a threefold nature, consisting of the mediterranean sea, the pontic sea and the ocean, which runs round the world.
- Opines that the stars draw a great part of its waters away, because the sun and the other stars do by their fierce fires draw away an abundance of water.
- Analyzes how he describes evaporation, a very early form of the water cycle, and describes the restock in the ocean after it has evaporated.
- Analyzes how guillaume of conches put another scientific theory regarding the ocean forward in his de philosophia mundi and dragmaticon philosophi
- Explains that medieval oceanography could not be seen from maps. scholar gervase of tilbury showed that the ocean that circles the continent is connected to the waters that were separated from earth in genesis.
- Cites the following sources: "atlantic visions", j. de courcy ireland & d. sheehy, boole press, dublin 1989; russian academy of sciences, "the world ocean in medieval cartography".
- Cites c. rose's "giants, monsters and dragons: an encyclopaedia of folklore legend and myth" and "the discovery of the atlantic".
1541 wordsRead More - Essay On Thalassophobiaexplanatory essayThe ocean is the utmost amazing as well as the most mysterious place in the world, with hundreds of new species being discovered every year, in a place that takes about 70% of the earth's surface. This always makes people consider, “What else is out there?”. Thalassophobia is the fear of the ocean, a fear that countless people in the world suffer from. There is no clear number of people who suffer from thalassophobia, but there are multiple online groups dedicated to the phobia, with one of those having about 80,000 members.
In this essay, the author
- Describes thalassophobia as the fear of the ocean, a fear that countless people in the world suffer from. there are multiple online groups dedicated to the phobia.
- Explains why people have thalassophobia and how to overcome it.
- Explains that the ocean takes up about 71 percent of the world, and it is also 1.3 billion cubic kilometers, holding over 91% of area that can be inhabited by life. the effect of thalassophobia depends on the person.
- Opines that megalodons, the largest predators of all time, are feared by people because of their enormous size and fear of the ocean.
- Explains that the popular media isn't the only cause of thalassophobia. movies like jaws and titanic cause people to be afraid of the great blue sea.
- Narrates how they developed thalassophobia when they were three to five years old. they have almost drowned twice in their life, but one particular event triggered it.
- Explains that overcoming thalassophobia is difficult, but there are two types of therapy that have shown positive results, namely hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming therapy.
- Explains that many people don't trust therapy, believing it to be a waste of money. there are other ways of overcoming thalassophobia, like needle-less acupuncture and energy psychology.
- Opines that people with thalassophobia must respect the ocean, for it is outrageously powerful.
1160 wordsRead More