Intro to Oceans - Fragile Environments



Week 1: Oceans & Their Importance


This post contains the information we will study for the week of April 6-10th.   This is our first section in our new unit - Oceans: Fragile Environments, and the last section of our study "From Sea to Source". 

The world's oceans were hottest on record in 2019 | CTV News



This post contains: 
 You will need: 
  • Access to internet - Netflix is optional, but internet and video for sure
  • A notebook or paper for notes - you will be asked to "take notes", record key ideas, ask questions, etc. as you move through the content. 

RECAP & OUTLINE FOR THE WEEK - 

So far in the unit we have studied: 
  • Layers and nature of the Atmosphere, 
  • Glaciers & Melting Ice
  • Rivers and their features
  • River Deltas
And now we will conclude by examining Oceans and the ecosystems within it.  Our planet is nicknamed the Blue Planet because so much of it is covered in oceans. 

The learning goals for this week will be to understand: 

1. What are oceans, how they function and why are they important
2.  To explore some specific ecosystems in oceans like coral reefs, wetlands, deltas. etc. 
3.  To explore an overview of the risks facing oceans 

What will you have to do this week? 
  • Watch a couple of powerpoints
  • Watch some video clips
  • Explore some infographics

Ok, let's get started! 

What will it take to achieve our sustainable development goal for ...

Part A.  Oceans - What are they, and why do they matter?

I grew up on the West Coast of Canada, and have been swimming in the ocean, playing on the beach and fishing for salmon, since I was a small child. I feel very connected to the smell of the salt, the sound of the waves, and everything the ocean represents.  For others, the ocean is a deep, dark abyss that makes them feel nervous.  Even though I have spent alot of time in the ocean, it wasn't until I created this unit for Geography 12 last year, that I realized that I actually didn't know that much about the ocean beyond the basics of beach and coral reefs. So my guess, is that for many of you, this might be a similar experience

TASK: Let's watch the first video clip together. It gives an overview of oceans, and why we need them.  For reference later on, this webpage has a great summary of why oceans are important, and necessary for our survival.

United Nations: The Oceans and Us

TASK: Now let's take a look at some of the science about Oceans by watching this TED-Ed video clip.  As you watch, take notes on the following things:

  • How are 'oceans' defined? 
  • Record 2-3 interesting facts that may be new, or thought-provoking

TED-ED: How Big is the Ocean?

As we can see, the ocean is a massive ecosystem that is incredibly complex, interconnected, and incredibly important to our survival.  Let's review a handout that explores 7 Reasons Why Oceans Are Important.

TASK:  As you read through the article, determine which one of the seven reasons is most interesting to you?  Which reason do you believe is most important?  Identify that in your notes and defend your answre.

Article; Why the Ocean Is So Important?


Part B: How Do Oceans Circulate and Function? 

During our glaciers unit, we explored a bit about how melting ice (freshwater) affects the circulation of ocean currents, and the levels of salt in the ocean.  Let's review that concept, because its incredibly important to understanding the connection between oceans and our weather patterns.

TASK: Watch the following video by TED-Ed called Why Do Ocean Currents Exist? and pay attention to:

  • The two types of ocean currents
  • The evidence that we have that ocean circulation patterns exist (rubber ducky toys, etc.)
  • What would happen if our ocean currents stop circulating. 


Part C: Ocean: Ecosystems and Species

BEACHES - When we think of the ocean, one of the first things we think about is beaches. Beaches are spectacular, fantastic vacation spots, but incredibly diverse and ever-changing.  Scroll through some of the beautiful beaches on this website to get a sense of where beaches are located, and what they can look like. This also gives us a sense of where ocean ecosystems are at risk.   Now is the time for virtual vacations!


WETLANDS: Where the ocean meets a shoreline though, its not always a beach that is created.  Some of the most important ecosystems in the ocean exist close to shore, and include wetlands like mangrove forests and estuaries.  We discussed the importance of estuaries in our last unit, but watch this video on Mangrove forests to learn more about these ecosystems. 

TASK: As you watch the following video, record what mangroves look like, and why they are important



MANGROVES AND CORAL REEFS

One of the best series that you could be watching with your free time right now is Our Planet, on Netflix.  If you don't have Netflix, don't stress, its ok - this activity is for those of you that have it. 

TASK: Watch Our Planet, Episode 4 - Coral Seas.  Watch at least the first 20 minutes of the movie.  While you watch, answer the following questions.  This will help give you a deeper understanding of wetlands like the Florida Keyes, as well as keystone species like sharks. 

Learn More about Sharks Here - What If All Sharks Disapeared? 

Next week we will be examining some of the risks that are facing the ocean, as well as the ways in which humans interact with different eco-systems.  For a preview - watch the following video clip - it personifies the ocean, and makes us think about the ways in which we 'treat' the ocean. 

Conservation International - I am Ocean - part of #natureisspeaking

That's it - you've reviewed the content for this week.  Now it's time to complete your learning activity using your notes and background knowledge.

HERE IS THE POWERPOINT ON OCEANS THAT WAS PRESENTED BY MS. SAWATSKY AT THE CLASS MEETING ON APRIL 8TH, 2020


WEEK 1 ACTIVITY - Why Is the Ocean Important To You? 

This activity is to be completed on Microsoft Teams.  Write your response and copy into the Oceans Channel.   Review Ms. Sawatsky's post for an idea of length and criteria.
  
Your task is to review your notes, and then write a short-answer response that answers the following:                                                                     
  1. How much have you 'interacted' with the ocean in your life?  Ex. Activities you do that connect to ocean ecosystems, places you've been, lived, etc.                      
2. Why you believe oceans are important (think back to handouts and videos - choose 1-2 main reasons.                                                                                         
 3. A risk facing the ocean and its species that you are interested in.                

 Upload a personal or online for attention and spellcheck/grammar check your work.  Then post below! 


Extension Activities - Want to know more? 
Have some extra time?  Want to know more about this week's material?  Here are some links that you can explore. 


Ocean Circulation

In a Nutshell - The Gulf Stream Explained - mentioned before in class
Article and Video - Inside Climate News - great article and scroll down for the video

Waves and Beaches: 
Why Does the Ocean Have Waves?  - great article and scroll down for video


Cool Animal Videos and Links

Inside the Killer Whale Matriarchy 
Sharksider - why they matter

Meet the 10 most endangered sharks

See a sea turtle devour a jellyfish

Tiger Shark vs. Hammerhead shark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH9CG0IT1SM

10 most amazing facts about the ocean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmplsAMCUNI





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