#1030. Exploring the Ocean

Science, level: Elementary
Posted Thu Apr 22 19:58:46 PDT 1999 by Vicki S. Selonke-Gonzales (lina17_99@hotmail.com).
Ocean Activities Interactivities
Melvindale, Michigan, US
Materials Required: The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean Floor Program by Scholastic's.
Activity Time: 30 minutes for each student.
Concepts Taught: Students will become familiar with ocean life and learn to recognize different sea creatures.

Grade Level: 4-6

Pre-requisite:
Students need to have a grasp of computers and be efficient at using the mouse. They must also be able to identify some of the ocean life.

Instructions to the Teacher:
Give an introduction to the ocean. Discuss how things work, tides etc. This lesson works well along with many textbooks.
Be sure to install program prior to day of lesson. It is a good idea for you to try out the program before giving it to your students so that you are able to answer any questions without taking to much time away from the rest of the class.
Make Xerox copies of a handout with matching questions about the different things found on the ocean floor.
Have books on hand for further research if the students so desire.

Hardware and Software Requirements:
1. Computer with CD-ROM. Windows IBM & Compatibles,Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 95, a Windows-compatible sound card, and a mouse.
2. The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean Floor Program by Scholastic's.
3. Internet access, suggested not required.
4. Copies of the worksheet and assessment sheets.
5. Books on ocean life (suggested not required).

Instructions to the Students:
1. Sign on to the computer.
2. Insert CD for the Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean.
3. Go on the scavenger hunt on the ocean floor.
4. Once you have found the treasure, sign off the computer.
5. Do the worksheet matching the description to the proper thing found on the ocean floor.

Student Handout:
Create a handout in which the students have to match the description to the item found on the ocean floor.

Student Assessment:
Give students a quiz to test their comprehension of the new ocean life they have discovered during their scavenger hunt on the computer. A short answer or essay test would best suit this subject and age group.

Time Limit:
Each student will need at least 30 minutes to work on the computer. The other students can be working on their worksheet and reading about the ocean.

Internet Site:
Ocean Activities Interactivities, is a good website for further discovery. There is a certificate there that can be presented to students who complete the internet journey. http://library.advanced.org/18828/data/interactivity_1.html

Reference:
Sharp, David ed. My Book of First Facts. Weekly Reader: Columbus, 1985.

Sample Worksheet:

Sea Creatures

1. Funny umbrella-like creatures. (e)

2. This creature has five arms. (f)

3. These creatures look like flowers and live on the sea bed. (b)

4. Sea creatures that link together and have an external skeleton. (a)

5. Left over home of a creature. (c)

6. Shallow pool where many creatures live. (d)

a. Colonists
b. Anemones
c. Sea Shell
d. Tidal Pool
e. Jellyfish
f. Starfish

Sample Test Questions:

Ocean Life

1. In what area of the ocean would you find sea anemone?

2. Where would you be if the water depth varied twice a day?

3. If you were a sea creature which one would you be?

4. What is your favorite part of the ocean?

Extra Credit (from website):
If the water temperature is 65 degrees farenheit, what is the temperature in celcius?

Good Luck and have fun!