In this mini lesson, students use in-water profiles of historical ocean data to analyze how sea surface salinity varies with depth. 

Exploring salinity patterns is a great way to better understand the relationships between the water cycle, ocean circulation, and climate. In this mini lesson, students analyze sea surface salinity mapped plots created from the Earth System Data Explorer, paired with questions (and answers) from the Aquarius Mission. Credit: Aquarius Education

Students will analyze the mapped plot of the historic Ocean Chlorophyll Concentrations at key locations around the world for the period of 1998-2018.

Students analyze four data visualizations focused on the topic of sea level.  They use a jigsaw method to explore and communicate their findings to their peers.

Students analyze a graph that illustrates the change in global surface temperature relative to 1951-1980 average temperatures.

Students will use coloring sheets to create a color coded model of El Niño and analyze it. If the Data Literacy Map Cube is used with this, students will color their models first.

Students examine satellite images of a recently formed island to identify areas of erosion and deposition.

Students will watch a video on the Greenland Ice Sheet and answer questions.

Students explore albedo, sea ice, and the relationship between changing albedo and changing sea ice using data visualizations. 

Interpret the map, or model, to find patterns in the occurrence of tropical cyclones from 1842 through 2018.