Explore Argo floats with videos of a research scientist/engineer in order to design a prototype and understand how to access data.

In this design challenge and using the 5E instructional model, students have the opportunity to learn about Argo floats. Students explore float components and instrumentation by watching short videos with Andrew Meyer, Scientific Researcher/Engineer at the University of Washington. Small groups design and build a model float, making decisions within simplified but realistic engineering constraints. Accessing actual float data engages students in scientific data portals.

Topics

Floats

Authors

Sinéad Jordan and Lauren Hudson

Teacher Resources

Student Resources

Additional Resources

Link Type Use
https://argo.ucsd.edu/how-do-floats-work/ Website
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXzwQOFJZ1w Video Explore: background info on GO-BGC
https://www2.whoi.edu/site/argo/technology/how-do-the-floats-work/ Website Explore: general background information on Argo floats (Wood’s Hole)
https://www.go-bgc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SOCCOMfloatdescription.pd Image Explore: learn about the instrument package on floats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTH7PyR3buA Video Explore: Deploying an Argo float (BBC) [2:00]
https://www.us-ocb.org/bgc-argo-update-2018/ Image Image
Andrew Meyer (Research Scientist/Engineer at UW) meyerr@uw.edu Email Contact if any questions about the content of the videos

Next Generation Science Standards

Crosscutting Concepts
  • Systems and system models
  • Structure and function
Core Ideas
  • ETS2.B: Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World
  • ESS3.D: Global Climate Change
  • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
Practices
  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
  • Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Ocean Literacy Fundamental Concepts

  • 3: The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.