Exploring Our Fluid Earth

Teaching Science as Inquiry

 

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Title

Physical

Investigate cause and effect of natural phenomena like waves, currents, and tides that shape the ocean and the land.

Table of Contents
Physical
Representative Image
image for physical science
Unit List
  • World Ocean
    image representing the world oceans

    The world ocean is the defining feature of planet earth and the most prominent feature on a world map.

  • Density Effects
    Image illustrating 2 rivers in the ocean

    Density variations, caused by differences in temperature and salinity, determine the positions of water layers in the ocean. 

  • Atmospheric Effects
    Image illustrating atmospheric conditions

    Wind is the movement of air on Earth. Wind is an important component of weather and affects ocean currents and waves on a global scale.

  • Waves
    Photograph of a wave with a surfer in the water

    Waves are amazing and dynamic—they transfer energy, provide recreation, cause destruction, and change with the seasons.

  • Coastal Interactions
    Photograph of a cliffs and rocky shore line

    Coasts are found wherever the ocean meets land. Coastal features are shaped by the interaction of waves, geology and local organisms.

  • Tides
    photograph of shore line at low tide display parts of the reef above water

    Tides are the periodic rise and fall of ocean waters affecting coastal areas around the world.

  • Ocean Floor
    Portion of the earth from South America to Africa illustration of the ocean floor depth increasing from green to red.

    The seafloor is one of the defining characteristics of our world ocean and has many unique features.

  • Navigation and Transportation
    Photograph of sailors on deck look for a route using a navigation map

    Explorers and sailors rely on navigation, wayfinding, and sturdy ships to safely travel the world ocean.

  • Ocean Depths
    Underwater photograph of Remote Operated Vehicle also known as an ROV

    The ocean depths are the dominant feature of our world ocean, yet they are largely unexplored.

Exploring Our Fluid Earth, a product of the Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG), College of Education. University of Hawaii, 2011. This document may be freely reproduced and distributed for non-profit educational purposes.