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Mid-Ocean Magnetism
http://www.sea.edu/academics/k-12_detail/mid_ocean_magnetism
From DLESE Community Collection (DCC)
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In this lesson, students explore some of the magnetic evidence which led to the discovery of sea floor spreading. Students should have an introduction to plate movements and crustal processes before working on this activity. They will use compasses to simulate magnetometers, exploring a model sea floor (prepared by the teacher) which has concealed bar magnets. They will then be asked to explain how the magnetic field pattern they found relates to the pattern found on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean and why it is evidence for sea floor spreading. Links to background information on sea floor spreading are provided.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Classroom activity
    • Lesson plan
Subject:
  • Geological Sciences:
    • Geology
  • Ocean Sciences:
    • Physical oceanography
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
Copyright 1998-2008 by Sea Education Association, all rights reserved.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-009-033
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Understanding about scientific inquiry
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Structure of the earth system
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Understandings about scientific inquiry
      • E - Science and technology:
        • Understandings about science and technology
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Publisher: Sea Education Association
http://www.sea.edu/home/index_flash.asp

Contact: John Bullard
Sea Education Association