A dynamic exploration of the sea

A dynamic exploration of the sea - commencement

The ocean, a continuous body of salty water that covers two-thirds of the Earth's surface, plays a crucial role in transporting heat, water, salt, and carbon around our planet. Here's how students can deepen their understanding of this fascinating system.

Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand's annual national week about the sea, offers a wealth of resources for teachers. These resources, grouped under various teaching topics, include unit plans and other support materials. (Seaweek Resources)

To delve deeper, the article provides several useful links for further learning. These include Pinterest boards on marine resources, sustainable seas, and Seaweek New Zealand, as well as a timeline of important historical dates in ocean studies. (Additional Learning Resources)

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand is a leading organization involved in ocean and environmental research. NIWA collaborates internationally with government agencies, iwi, and research organizations, contributing to global environmental monitoring and research projects. (NIWA)

The ocean is divided into five main oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern. The Tasman Sea, the body of water between New Zealand and Australia, is part of the Pacific Ocean.

Oceanography, the study of the ocean, is a young science. Students can interpret graphs showing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of New Zealand and explore how sampling intervals affect the conclusions we are able to make. Knowing the alkalinity (pH) of a seawater sample is important for measuring and understanding CO2 in the ocean.

One practical activity that can help students grasp these concepts is using a Cartesian diver, a device that demonstrates the relationship between volume, mass, and density in water.

For a more immersive experience, students can listen to the Voice of Tangaroa podcast, which explores the state of our oceans, or watch Big Blue Aotearoa, an animated cartoon story about the importance of protecting the ocean.

In addition, Dr Phil Sutton is involved in the international Argo project, which uses thousands of automatic floats to monitor global ocean currents and chemistry. Dr Kim Currie, a NIWA scientist, is preparing to sample seawater alkalinity.

Lastly, it's important to note that the ocean is a complex system with close links between different properties. For instance, saltiness (salinity) is a property of seawater that affects many aspects of life on Earth. The ocean in action - key terms provides explanations of key concepts, while the ocean in action - question bank offers an initial list of questions about the physical and chemical properties of the ocean and places where their answers can be found.

In conclusion, the ocean is a vital part of our planet, playing a significant role in controlling climate. By understanding its complexities, we can better protect and conserve this essential resource for future generations.