Oceans

For the past two weeks we have been learning about the ocean!

The first thing the students questioned (and some already knew) was how many oceans are there? We looked at a globe and saw that there are 5 oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Indian and Southern). 

Then Moby (brainpop) helped us understand that the ocean has different layers and zones. The ocean has 3 zones (sunlight zone, twilight zone and the midnight zone) and 5 layers (tide pool, the surface, the ocean floor, the open sea and the abyss). Each layer is located in a zone. 

Next we read a nonfiction story about oceans. Tiger Tales and Feature Fish from our critter cafe helped us find fun facts about the ocean. 

After that we did an experiment! Students had to guess whether an egg would sink or float in saltwater. 

The egg ended up floating in salt water and sinking in fresh water! This happened because salt water is denser than fresh water making it easier for an object to float. This helps animals swim in the ocean and makes it easier for us to float in the ocean! 

The next week we learned about ocean habitats. The students had many questions. What animals live in the midnight zone? Can people go down to the midnight  zone? Is the world made up of more land or water? They used non-fiction stories to find their answers. They then shared their findings with the class. 

The students were curious as to why some ocean animals are endangered. That brought us to discuss why it is important that we take care of our oceans.  

Last we learned about oceanographers! What do they do and what do they study? Then we made scubadivers! 

Next week we will be learning about whales and sharks! The students will also be starting their ocean animal reports.