From Source to Sea: Intro to Oceans

on

This is our last section of our study "From Sea to Source". 


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


RECAP 

So far in the unit we have studied: 
  • Layers and nature of the Atmosphere, like clouds and the water cycle
  • Glaciers & Melting Ice
  • Rivers and their features
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 lesson 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 


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 two years ago, 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 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 answer.

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, think about the following questions.  You don't have to write out the answers, but they will help you know what to focus on and pay attention to. This will help give you a deeper understanding of wetlands like the Florida Keyes, as well as keystone species like sharks. 



PART D: Which Ocean Species Are Threatened?

We know the ocean is filled with keystone species that we are concerned about. Choose ONE of the endangered/threatened species below to learn more about. Record notes, and consider what you could do to raise awareness of these issues. Feel free to explore all of the species if you are interested BUT YOU ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO LOOK AT THE VIDEOS AND SOURCES FOR ONE SPECIES.
CHOICE 1 - SHARKS

CHOICE 2 - SEA TURTLES
CHOICE 3 - THE VAQUITA 
The Vaquita - most endangered species
Sci-Show - We probably can't save the Vaquita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTvoQkFwG8


CHOICE 4 - MANATEES (DUGONGS)

Gentle Giants - Manatees and Boats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkuqWlHZo5I
What in the world is a dugong?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YProaycNpHE
Everglades national park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPrPtCns5Lc


CHOICE 5 - WHALES 

Blue Whales 101:
The Ocean Is Too Loud for Whales and Dolphins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-pZDzGStV0
Why the Ocean is Getting Louder - Vox Magazine


Now take the notes and reflections that you kept from today's lesson, and let's put them into a short reflection.  Complete the Learning Activity below on Teams, IN THE OCEANS CHANNEL. 


There are optional videos at the end of this post if you love oceans as much as me =) and want to learn more. 

SUMMARIZE - LEARNING ACTIVITY FOR TODAY

Due - BY THE START OF YOUR NEXT CLASS THIS WEEK 
Where Should You Post? - In the  Oceans channel
 Ensure your work is grammar-checked and edited.

 In your response, answer the following questions:

1.  Describe 1-2 reasons why you believe the ocean is worth protecting.  Be specific, and defend your answer with facts from today's sources.

2. Describe 1-2 things that were surprising to you from this today's readings and video clips.  What's something that has stuck with you this week and made you think about?

3. Which species did you choose to investigate more closely?  Describe 1-2 reasons why they are at risk, and how they are being affected by human activity.

4. What's a question that you are thinking about right now, after studying this week's content?

Next class, 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.  


Finished!

Here are some optional videos in case you are feeling keen and want to learn more. 


Comments

Post a Comment