Making Air Out of Oceans
In this two-part lesson, students will create a graph using data collected by scientists (Dr. Alex Worden and Dr. Amy Zimmerman) to test their predictions about the effects of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) on the abundance of phytoplankton (Ostreococcus) in the world’s oceans. Students will then use a blank world and an interactive map database to make and analyze predictions about what parts of the world’s oceans are the most biologically productive. Throughout this activity, students will answer written prompts that ask them to think critically about the data they are working with and the larger processes they are analyzing. This assignment can be done individually or in small groups.
Author: Megan O’Neill, Kathy Couchon, Katie Sard, Katie Lodes, Slade Sapora, Kama Almasi; EARTH 2015
Lesson Resources
Products
- Data repository
- Image gallery
- Video library
- Seminars
- Research software
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- Video Annotation and Reference System
- Oceanographic Decision Support System
- MB-System seafloor mapping software
- Matlab scripts: Linear regressions
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- Introduction to Model I and Model II linear regressions
- A brief history of Model II regression analysis
- Index of downloadable files
- Summary of modifications
- Regression rules of thumb
- Results for Model I and Model II regressions
- Graphs of the Model I and Model II regressions
- Which regression: Model I or Model II?
- Matlab scripts: Oceanographic calculations
- Matlab scripts: Sound velocity
- Visual Basic for Excel: Oceanographic calculations
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