Using this material, students will discover that under special experimental conditions, fish have been observed functioning in ice-free cold salt water at a temperature of -6 degrees Centigrade. Research has found that these fish have eight types of anti-freeze molecules which bathe the interior surface of their skin, acting as a barrier to ice propagating in from outside. When the anti-freeze molecules ... Full description.

This article describes a new method of studying climate change. A previously unnoticed cooling trend that persisted for a millennium caused enough ice to build up in Antarctica's Ross Sea that thousands of Adelie penguins abandoned their colonies beginning about 2,000 years ago. The techniques may also help to refine our understanding of climatic change on the southernmost continent. This article ... Full description.

In this lesson students will access a link to another site to learn about the processes that drive geysers, which are roughly analogous to hydrothermal vents. They will then examine photographs of some hydrothermal vents, discuss the reasons they occur, and learn about some uniquely adapted animals that live near the vents. They will conclude by creating aquarium exhibits showcasing some of these ... Full description.

In this activity, students will explore larval recruitment on New England seamounts. They will be able to explain the meaning of larval dispersal and larval retention and explain their importance to populations of organisms in the marine environment. Given data on recruitment of organisms to artificial substrates, students will also be able to draw inferences about larval dispersal in these species. ... Full description.

In this activity, students will experience the excitement of discovery and problem-solving to learn what organisms could live in extreme environments in the deep ocean. Students will also understand the importance of ocean exploration. In addition to following National Science Education Standards, this hands-on, inquiry-based activity includes focus questions, background information for teachers, ... Full description.

This downloadable booklet provides an overview of wetlands for younger students. Topics include what a wetland is, plants and animals that inhabit them, the many terms (marsh, swamp, etc.) used to describe them, what to do when visiting wetlands, and what functions wetlands perform in the environment. Full description.

This tutorial describes animals and plants that have adapted to urban environments. It defines terms such as urban and wilderness, and introduces aphids and their relation to ladybugs, spiders and their relation to bugs, and species of birds and scavengers that have done well in human-made landscapes. A quiz is available. Full description.

Fisheries Learning on the Web (FLOW) is a comprehensive curriculum about the Great Lakes ecosystem, fisheries, and environmental stewardship. Each lesson includes a classroom or field activity to facilitate problem-based learning for younger students. The curriculum consists of three units: Food Web, which emphasizes that all organisms in an ecosystem are connected and that this structure is sensitive ... Full description.

This National Park Service resource contains information pages about cave safety and biology, how caves and speleothems form (stalactites and stalagmites), a glossary of karst and cave terms, and specific information about Round Spring Caverns in Missouri. The site also contains a number of K-12 classroom activities where learners apply both critical thinking skills and hands-on methodologies that ... Full description.

In this activity students investigate the facts behind animal adaptations, and observe, record and report their findings. Examples include the body parts of sharks, camouflage of foxes, raccoon behavior, and bear hibernation. Observation and report sheets contain questions to guide students in their work. There are also examples of student reports and a teacher guide. Full description.