Why Do We Explore the Ocean?

Lesson Plan Overview

Students will be able to discuss why scientists believe there are important undiscovered features and processes in Earth’s ocean; discuss at least three motives that historically have driven human exploration; explain why ocean exploration is relevant to climate change; and discuss at least three benefits that might result from ocean exploration. 

Source: NOAA Ocean Explorer
Grades: 3-5 6-8 9-12

Literacy Principles:

OLP#5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

OLP#6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

OLP#7: The ocean is largely unexplored.

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