This text reports on the experiences of a science teacher who joined a research expedition to study deep sea vents in the Pacific Ocean. It offers an engaging and informative overview of topics including the peaks, valleys, and plains that form the floor of the ocean and the internal heat that cracks the crust and causes it to move along plate boundaries. It also explains why submarine volcanoes form ... Full description.

Earthguide is an Earth and environmental science educational resource for both students and teachers consisting of: reports from an expedition to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge; sections on ocean diatoms, Earth radiation (with animation), and the physics of waves; and images of ocean creatures, places, minerals and scientific equipment. Earthguide also offers news and events; a glossary; world maps; a photosynthesis ... Full description.

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 ... Full description.

After a teacher led discussion (some background provided), students will break into groups and recreate global maps at four different points in earth's history. By completing this exploration activity, the learner will: recognize that continents of the western hemisphere "fit" together, create a model that demonstrates the similarity of the continents, identify the major tectonic plates, and calculate ... Full description.

This information on the two major types of plate interaction and the resulting features discusses the Mid Atlantic Ridge and the mid-ocean ridges in connection with divergence and ocean trenches and connects the Pacific Ring of Fire to the concept of subduction. Volcanic activity as a result of subduction is also covered. The site also features links to goals, objectives, and materials for a hands-on ... Full description.

This world map shows the major plates and plate boundaries, including such notables as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the San Andreas Fault, and the Java and Aleutian Trenches. The Pacific Ring of Fire is shown, including the Cascade Range. The location of major volcanoes is also depicted. A feature of this site is a black and white version that can be printed out for greater clarity. Full description.

On this 2003 expedition, scientists from several institutions explored a hydrothermal field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, studying limestone formations and new life forms, creating maps of this unique location. Overviews include: research objectives, deep sea hot spring environments, seafloor mapping, marine geology, vent chemistry, instrumentation and vessel technology. Shipboard life communicated through ... Full description.

This activity uses the free software 'Seismic Eruption' to visualize seismicity and volcanic activity in space and time and to explore the relationship of earthquakes and volcanic activiy to plate tectonics. Students run simulations on the Pacific coasts of South America and California and the mid-oceanic ridge in the Atlantic Ocean, answer questions, and construct a cross-section. A link to download ... Full description.

This is the web site for Dive and Discover, an interactive distance learning web site created by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute which is designed to immerse the user in the excitement of discovery and exploration of the deep seafloor. It allows teachers to link their classes and/or curricula to changing deep ocean science expeditions. This site features archived expeditions to such locations ... Full description.

Unit from Smithsonian multidisciplinary ocean curriculum. Lesson plan focuses on ocean bottom features including continental shelf, deep ocean plain, and mid-ocean ridges. Students study the discovery and mapping of seafloor features, learn to read seafloor maps, then create a map of Atlantic seafloor features. Unit includes: background essay; teacher instructions; maps and forms for student activity; ... Full description.