At the American Museum of Natural History's Ology site, students can learn about marine biology and water through a variety of interactive games, lessons and activities. This site can also be used for a WebQuest because everything a student and teacher needs in on the site.
Lesson Plan: Marine Biology WebQuest
Objective:
- Students learn various facts about marine biology
- Students create coherent and informative reports
- Students gain awareness of issues threatening marine life
Task One:
As a fledgling reporter, the student must find out as much information as they can on the issues surrounding marine life. What are the problems? What can be done to fix them? What marine animals are threatened? What threatens them? How can people help? Which scientists are working in the field? Where is the threat to the oceans the highest? Why do we need to be concerned?
Dive into the Ology site, click on Marine Biology in the menu to the left of the page. Begin research!
Task Two:
In small groups (3-4), have students create a newspaper on the Ocean. They will need to create a name for their paper, and at least three articles. They can add pictures and other details to make it interesting. The newspaper should be about three or four pages in length. If possible, have them create it in MS Publisher.
Task Three:
Present their newspapers to the class. Have groups swap newspapers, read them and report what they learned from the other groups.
With these oceanography education science labs, teaching oceanography will be a walk on the beach. If you are a student, enjoy these sites for your research! Check out our resource section below to learn even more!
