Links
map
1. Build background.
Explain to students that marine, or ocean, maps can be used to provide information about a variety of activities, distributions, and earth and ocean features. For example, ocean maps can show areas of fishing activity, climate variation, fish distribution, and currents. Ask: What information does comparing maps with all of these features give you? (information about the relationship between these variables and the overall geographic area that has been mapped) Tell students that this type of comparison is one of the fundamental advantages of Geographic Information Systems, or GIS.
2. Examine different ocean maps.
Display for students the MapMaker Interactive. Switch between the different base maps, accessed from the base map tab at the top right. As you display each layer, ask: What information does this map provide about the ocean? Describe it. Then add map layers to explore other information related to the ocean and ask the same questions. Find these map layers in the tab at the top right and add them to your map:
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Earthquakes
- Sea Surface Temperatures
- Ocean Surface Currents
- Ocean Chlorophyll
- Plate Tectonics
- Surface Elevation
3. Evaluate the purposes of the different maps.
Have a whole-class discussion. Ask:
- What is the purpose of these maps?
- How do you think maps like these can help you learn about the ocean?
- Why is it useful to create maps?
- Why is it good to have maps that show information other than just the “basics,” such as the locations of the continents or major islands?
Subjects & Disciplines
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- explain the uses of ocean maps
- describe the information shown in different types of ocean maps
- evaluate the purposes of different types of ocean maps
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Visual instruction
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
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Critical Thinking Skills
- Analyzing
- Understanding
- Geographic Skills
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Geography Standards
- Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
What You’ll Need
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Background Information
Maps can be extremely valuable in helping ocean scientists answer their research questions. Marine maps can provide information about a variety of activities, distributions, and earth and ocean features.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
Vocabulary
any system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface.
Websites
Funder
This activity is made possible by a generous grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary Program.
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Maps and Mapping
Whether your map is paper or digital, mastering the basics of reading it are vital to finding your way around and understanding how the world works. Maps are fantastic visual tools that can help us communicate spatial concepts and patterns, tell stories, and analyze data. However, there are some challenges to translating Earth onto a flat surface without adding bias or inaccuracies. Fortunately, cartographers have the training to minimize these issues. Maps have been a part of the National Geographic Society since the beginning. Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the first full-time editor of National Geographic, described maps as “the greatest of all epic poems. It's lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” Learn more about the basics of reading a map, creating a map, and choosing the best map projection.
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Your Ocean
Students discuss a quote about the ocean and freewrite about the importance of the ocean and their daily connection to the ocean. Students map their location in relation to the ocean. Then they watch and discuss a video.
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Real-World Uses of Ocean Maps
Students discuss how maps are helpful in real-world scenarios. Then they analyze how maps provide valuable information about the ocean.
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Our Interconnected Ocean
Students discuss the geography of the ocean and explore how the ocean has been categorized in the past and today.
-
Maps and Mapping
Whether your map is paper or digital, mastering the basics of reading it are vital to finding your way around and understanding how the world works. Maps are fantastic visual tools that can help us communicate spatial concepts and patterns, tell stories, and analyze data. However, there are some challenges to translating Earth onto a flat surface without adding bias or inaccuracies. Fortunately, cartographers have the training to minimize these issues. Maps have been a part of the National Geographic Society since the beginning. Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the first full-time editor of National Geographic, described maps as “the greatest of all epic poems. It's lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” Learn more about the basics of reading a map, creating a map, and choosing the best map projection.
-
Your Ocean
Students discuss a quote about the ocean and freewrite about the importance of the ocean and their daily connection to the ocean. Students map their location in relation to the ocean. Then they watch and discuss a video.
-
Real-World Uses of Ocean Maps
Students discuss how maps are helpful in real-world scenarios. Then they analyze how maps provide valuable information about the ocean.
-
Our Interconnected Ocean
Students discuss the geography of the ocean and explore how the ocean has been categorized in the past and today.