Students in grades 6-8 will use online GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to explore human activity in the oceans and the multiple interests. Focusing on sites for current and future offshore wind farms, students work in teams to evaluate the potential impacts of installing wind turbines on the ocean and human uses of the ocean, such as recreation, travel, commerce, etc.
The Details
Grades
6th - 8th Grade
Time Required
Two class periods (45-85 min each or extended single period).
Downloads
Materials
- Teacher computer and projector or smartboard, with internet access
- Slide presentation (optional)
- Student computers (1 per pair or group, with internet access)
- Ocean Uses Exploration Guide (1 per pair or group); printed or shared electronically
Next Generation Science Standards
Cross-Cutting Concepts
- Cause & Effect
- Stability & Change
- Systems & System Models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
- LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics Functioning & Resilience
Learning Objectives
- Explain that humans make use of the ocean in many different ways, some of which are not compatible
- Use graphical displays (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, and/or tables) of large data sets to identify temporal and spatial relationships
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills by evaluating potential impacts of offshore wind development on people and the natural environment
