Exploring The Depths!

Designed by: Colette Dryden    School: Satchel Ford Elementary

Grade Level: Fifth    Subject: Science

Science Standard: III.A.2.c Identify and create a model of the geological features of the ocean floor (continental shelf/slope/rise, mid-Atlantic ridges, rifts, trenches). 

Overview: Students will complete a class KWL chart on the ocean floor. They will then plot the ocean depths on graph paper. The class will discuss and label each feature of the ocean floor on the graph. Finally, the students will make a 3- D model of the ocean floor using the line graph. 

Purpose/Essential Question: What does the ocean floor look like? What are the features called? 

Time Frame: 5 one-hour lessons 

Resources: 
Chart paper 

Line graph paper 

Data of ocean depths (attached) Crayons 

Shoeboxes (I per child) Modeling clay 

Construction paper Foam sheets Toothpicks Paper tape 

World map 

Houghton Mifflin science text 

Assessment: Students will complete the KWL chart after instruction. They will also create a 3-D model of the ocean floor with all of the specified geological features labeled. They will use a variety of materials to create the models. They will be scored using the following scoring guide, which they will be given prior to the activity. 

SCORING GUIDE FOR 3-D OCEAN FLOOR MODEL 

Instructional Activities: 

Day 1: The teacher will have prepared a chart for the KWL. It should look similar to the following:

Students can do this as a class or individually, if they are familiar with the format. They will complete the Learned column after the activities. This is a good informal assessment. If done individually, the students can share their knowledge and their questions. Accept every "Know". Don't attempt to correct any misconceptions yet, but be sure to address them during the activities. 

HOMEWORK: Bring in a shoebox and any materials they'd like to use to create a 3-D model. The teacher should be able to provide necessary materials for student who do not bring in the supplies. 

Day 2 and 3: PRIOR KNOWLEDGE: Students must have experience making line graphs from data. 

Students will work in pairs on this activity. Try placing a child who struggles in math with one who is comfortable in math. Have them tape 3 pieces of graph paper together (short ends) before they plot the data. They will turn the paper so the longest side is the horizontal axis. Give each team a copy of the Ocean Depth Data Sheet. They need to set up the sheets with the distance in miles on the horizontal axis (x axis) and the depth in feet on the vertical axis (y axis). 

Once they have done this (model it on the board or overhead), tell them to plot a line graph of the ocean depths. Tell them this data is the ocean floor from New Jersey to Portugal. Show them this on a world map. Assist any students having difficulty. Once they have plotted the depths, they need to connect the dots. Have the students color in the bottom portion of their graphs so it resembles land. Tell them the picture they have drawn shows many of the features found on the ocean floor. 

Once the graphs are all completed, go through each feature present on the graph. Discuss each one and have students label them. Hang these in the hall to share with everyone. 

HOMEWORK: Remind students to bring in the shoebox and materials for the 3- D model. 

Day 4 and 5: Tell the students they are going to complete the KWL chart on the ocean floor. Have them share what they have learned. This is a good time to address any misconceptions that may have been placed on the "Know" side. Have the students fix their KWL sheets or do the class chart together. 

CULMINATING ASSESSMENT: 
Once this is completed, tell students to get out their materials for the 3-D model of the ocean floor. Tell them they are to create a 3-D model. The model must not be larger than a shoebox. They may use any of the materials they brought in or choose some you have provided. They must include the continental shelf, continental slope, continental rise, trench, rifts, and mid-Atlantic ridges. They must label each feature they include. (rectangular pieces of paper with the feature on it taped to a toothpick works well for this). They may use their books or their graphs they made previously. Encourage them to work independently and to be creative. Give them the scoring guide and go over it prior to them working so they know the criteria for the project. 

After they have finished the models, have them share with the class. They should tell the class what materials they used and identify each feature they included of the ocean floor. 

Ocean Depth Data Sheet