Oceans

1. Oceans

2. VA SOLs 6th grade 6.3 The student will investigate and understand the role of solar energy in driving most natural processes within the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and on the Earth’s surface - the motion of the atmosphere and the oceans; 6.5 The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment., the action of water in physical and chemical weathering; the ability of large bodies of water to store heat and moderate climate; the origin and occurrence of water on Earth; the importance of water for agriculture, power generation, and public health; and the importance of protecting and maintaining water resources. 6.8 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it: the unique properties of Earth as a planet; & the cause of tides.

3. VA SOLs 5th grade Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems 5.6 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of the ocean environment. Key concepts include geological characteristics (continental shelf, slope, rise); physical characteristics (depth, salinity, major currents); and biological characteristics (ecosystems).

4. PArctic PPacific Pacific P P Indian Southern Atlantic

5. Ocean Water Ocean water is a mixture of gasses (like air, dissolved solids (like salt). Most marine organisms depend on the gasses to survive. Fish don’t breathe water, they breathe the air mixed in the water.

6. Salinity Salinity is the amount of salt in ocean water. The more salt, the higher the water’s salinity. The less salt, the lower the water’s salinity.

7. Internet Resources • Check out this interactive at • http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsc/activities/simulations/gr1/unitb.html