Educators and scientists working with NOAA developed lesson plans for students in Grades 6-12 that are specifically tied to the science and technology associated with this expedition. These lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards performance expectations (and their associated Common Core State Standards Connections), and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. Look for additional lessons in the Vents and Volcanoes and Seamounts theme pages.
Grade Level: Grades 6-8 (with adaptations for grades 9-12)
Focus: Carbon dioxide from deep-ocean volcanoes and its effect on ocean acidity (Physical Science/Life Science/Earth Science).
Students will construct an explanation based on evidence for how carbon dioxide from deep ocean volcanoes could affect acidity of the surrounding seawater; develop a model that uses cause and effect relationships between temperature, pressure, and states of matter to predict the state of carbon dioxide from deep ocean volcanoes; and interpret the location of the Marianas Arc and Marianas Trench to provide evidence of the motions of tectonic plates.
Grade Level: 6-8 (with adaptations for grades 9-12)
Focus: Ecological role of iron-oxidizing bacteria in hydrothermal vent ecosystems (Life Science)
Students will construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the roles of photosynthesis and chemosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms and develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of a chemosynthetic ecosystem.
Grade Level: 6-8 (with adaptations for grades 9-12)
Focus: Carbon dioxide from deep-ocean volcanoes and its effect on ocean acidity (Life Science/Earth Science)
Students will evaluate alternative design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and describe a method for monitoring and minimizing impacts of scientific investigations on the deep ocean environment within the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.
