Exploring Oceans on the Web

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Ahoy, matey. Come sail the mysterious sea and meet the creatures of the deep! Don't worry, you landlubbers; you'll get your sea legs quickly sailing on the Web.

Let's start at the Smithsonian's Ocean Planet, where we can listen to the sounds of the sea. You can visit the exhibit hall and click into the area you'd like to visit. Enter Ocean Science, and take a plunge, where you'll learn cool facts like the location of highest mountain and most spectacular waterfall. Be sure to explore the recent discoveries, such as amazing underwater species and the world's densest area of volcanoes. Then find out just how deep humans, sea creatures, and man-made subs can go. Before you leave Ocean Planet, learn why our oceans are in peril. Click through the photo murals of different ocean ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves that are threatened by fishing, pollution, and other dangers.

Marine Ecosystems introduces you to the world's aquatic habitats. Let's enter Oceans, and start our exploration with a few frequently asked questions. You'll even learn why the ocean is blue! Did you know that there is a twilight zone and a midnight zone in the ocean? Find out about these and other Ocean Light Zones. For more surprises, learn about ocean forests. Off the coast of California, ocean kelp forests can grow to a height of 125 feet!

The United Nations declared 1998 the Year of the Ocean. On the Year of the Ocean Page for Kids and Teachers, visit Puffy the Puffer's Book of Fun Fish Facts, a click-through tour where you will test your knowledge of marine trivia, play count the fish, or calculate how many salmon eggs will survive to produce young salmon. Before you leave this site, learn 25 ways that you can help to preserve the coral reefs, a precious marine resource. Then visit the Fish FAQ, find the answers to your fishy questions like: What is the oldest fish? How long do fish live? What is the largest fish?

Now that you've learned about our wonderful ocean planet, it's time to set sail with Lee and Mindi as they travel the high seas in their ship, The New World. You can join them on their interactive journey on Virtual Voyager's at Sea Page. Read their logs and stories, check their current position and maps of their route, and send them your questions. Smooth sailing!

Creatures of the Sea
This content resource helps teachers locate online resources on marine wildlife. Web links to SeaWorld, the Franklin Intitute's Treasures At Sea, NOAA's Fish FAQ and more!

Ocean Life Books and Resources
Books and Resources about ocean life.

The Magic School Bus Goes to Mussel Beach
Teach about life in the intertidal zone with this lesson plan from the Magic School Bus series.

LESSON PLAN	Ocean Life for Grades 4-5 Students investigate and observe ocean life while also practicing their reading comprehension, note taking, and writing skills.
UNIT PLAN	Winter's Tail: Lessons & Printables Explore the world of dolphins with science and vocabulary lessons. Students will learn about dolphin biology and marine life through quick language...