The Ocean in a Changing Climate

Information about this Science Story

Resources: 59 Suitable Ages: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Topics: Ocean Currents, Deoxygenation, Biodiversity, Ocean, Climate, Weather, Ocean Chemistry, Ocean Temperature, Ecosystem Services

Objectives and Outcomes

Explain how the ocean and climate are connected .
Describe how the ocean supports many forms of life that help keep Earth healthy .
Describe how climate change affects the ocean (warming, sea level rise, storms, habitat loss) .
Suggest actions that we all can take to help protect the ocean .

Introductory gif of ProBleu Science Story

Meet the team

The scientists/ educators behind this Science Story:

Name: Amy Kenworthy
Role: Presenter/ Science Communicator, Plymouth Marine Laboratory .
About: Amy has worked as a project manager and science communicator on various international projects that address pressures on the marine environment. With ProBleu , she develops ocean literacy activities for schools, to share her love for the marine environment with children around the world .

Name: Meryl Hopper
Role: Presenter/ Freelance Illustrator, Plymouth Marine Laboratory .
About: Meryl is a freelance illustrator and artist, and Projects Officer at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. She is passionate about Ocean Literacy and about helping people to build a sense of connection with the natural world .

Background

The ocean covers about 70% of our planet and plays a big role in keeping Earth’s climate balanced. It absorbs heat from the sun and stores carbon dioxide, protecting the planet from getting too hot .
Ocean currents move warm and cold water around the world, which helps regulate weather and temperature.
When the ocean warms up, it can cause stronger storms and changes in rainfall.
Understanding the ocean helps us see how Earth’s systems are connected .
Learning about the ocean encourages respect and care for nature, helps children make responsible choices, and enables them to share their knowledge with adults and their peers.

Downloadable Science Story

This Science Story includes videos and activities that link to each other. Videos in this lesson plan provide background knowledge for the activities. We suggest watching the videos and choosing the activities that best suit your class or adapting them to suit your class.