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Oceans of the World

Subject:	Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Ed. Technology
Grade:	6-8, 9-12

Brief Description
Students use the Internet or library sources to compare and contrast information about the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. Students also locate the oceans on a world map.

Objectives

Students demonstrate abilities to research and compare information about oceans. Students correctly locate oceans on a world map.

Keywords

ocean, world, map, Internet, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, geography

Materials Needed

a globe or world map, computers with Internet access or library resources, paper, pens/pencils, PowerPoint software (optional)

Lesson Plan

• Ask students to name the four oceans. Have students locate the oceans on a globe or world map.
• Divide the class into six groups. Assign each group two oceans. The ocean pairings are Atlantic-Pacific, Atlantic-Indian, Atlantic-Arctic, Pacific-Indian, Pacific-Arctic, Indian-Arctic.
• Tell students that each group will research and write reports about the oceans, noting their similarities and differences. The comparison reports should include information about the oceans' locations, areas, climates, coastlines, natural resources, and elevations.
• Students may use library sources or the following Internet sites: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean. Variation: Have students create comparison reports as PowerPoint presentations.