Exploring the Ocean: Under Water
and From Space
Activity: Students will investigate the different
ways scientists study the ocean, from underwater
explorations to satellite imaging. Students will
learn that unique vehicles are needed to explore
the different depths of the ocean and how
satellites help scientists gather information on
the ocean from outer space.
- Ask students to discuss reasons it may be
difficult to learn about the ocean’s depths.
What conditions make it difficult,
or sometimes impossible, to travel to the
ocean floor? Visit the site Deep Sea
Conditions, cited below, to discover how
cold and dark it is in the deep sea, far from
the sun, as well as how much pressure there
is from the weight of the water.
- Next, visit the site How Deep Can They Go?
to learn how deep divers, submarines,
and other ocean vehicles can venture.
- Another way to study the ocean floor is from
space. Direct students to the TOPEX site to
learn about the satellite that circles the earth
to study the oceans. After completing this
interactive tour, complete your own map
off-line using the TOPEX Coloring Page site.
- Finally, compare and contrast underwater
and space exploration of the oceans. What
kind of information is gathered from these
two types of exploration? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each kind
of exploration? If you were an ocean scientist,
which way would you choose?
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