With three levels to choose from on each page - beginner, intermediate or advanced - this site provides a good introduction to the structure of the ocean. Included are excellent graphics and text about patterns of ocean salinity and temperature with depth, as well as surface currents, deep ocean circulation and even the water cycle. Extensive in-text links provide the means for users to explore the ... Full description.

The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is the world's largest active archive of weather data. Climate data for cities and locations throughout the U.S. and around the world are available here. Products include land-based, upper air, satellite, and marine measurements of precipitation, wind, atmospheric pressure, clouds, and solar activity. Educators and government researchers can access many of ... Full description.

This site presents average ice conditions estimated using satellite passive microwave data for the most recent month available, as well as snapshots of trends and anomalies that compare these recent conditions with the mean for the month. Full description.

This resource ties together physical and biological aspects of ocean color for high school students. Specific sections discuss life in the oceans, the appearance of the ocean from space, phytoplankton (the little link in a big food chain), carbon (where does it go?), and the Earth as a giant greenhouse. There are also activities that accompany these lessons. Full description.

This lesson plan allows students to participate in a number of in-class experiments using ice. Students will come to understand the effects of global warming on icecaps and the worldwide consequences that may result. Full description.

The Mote Marine Laboratory Phytoplankton Ecology Program focuses on microscopic plants in the oceans, many of which produce harmful toxins. This program addresses phytoplankton behavior, photophysiology and bloom dynamics. This site contains data from investigations, which utilize remote sensing technology for monitoring natural phytoplankton blooms as well as laboratory studies to understand how ... Full description.

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the potential threat posed by icebergs, particularly the enormous icebergs that have broken away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf. They will research a news article and various web sites (links are provided) to collect information about icebergs, discuss what icebergs are and where they are found, and brainstorm a list of potential problems that could ... Full description.

When different kinds of oil enter the sea, many physical, chemical and biological degradation processes start acting on them. This resource describes the factors that decide the physical, chemical and biological degradation of the oil, as well as potential environmental damage, effects on wildlife, and effects on habitats, of the spill. The text is color-coded to reflect the sources of the information, ... Full description.

This NASA resource offers links and information that will help students and others answer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Full description.

This site has been created by the University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs as part of the Narragansett Bay Commission's Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking (EMPACT) project. The site serves as a portal to find large quantities of information about the Narragansett Bay Estuarian Region. The Teacher Resource Section contains suggested classroom activities, ... Full description.