Description:
Students explore ways in which activities on land can affect water, using their ideas about the water cycle and about land-based pollution in general, and their observations of the geography of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. They consider the possible effects of pollution on photosynthesis and therefore on oceanic life, which is concentrated in the upper 300 feet (91 meters) of water. They analyze photographs of human activities and consider which of them might cause water pollution. They bring common components of litter to class. They draw maps of their own localities, showing bodies of water, buildings, and factories, with arrows showing the direction that runoff from these features would go. They write paragraphs about preventing water pollution. Next they investigate and draw what it might be like to dive into the Monterey Bay kelp forest, using online resources that are suggested.

Organization:
National Geographic Society

URL:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/seas/index.html?classroom:main

Contact:
education@nationalgeographic.com, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington DC 20036; Phone: (202) 857-7000

Cost:

Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 4

Subject:
Environmental Science Oceanography - Biological Pollution Water Cycle Water Resources

Resource Type:
Internet Site Curriculum/Instructional Materials

Date Added to teachearth.com:
12/10/00