Students analyze and compare satellite data of Ocean Chlorophyll Concentrations with Sea Surface Temperatures, beginning with the North Atlantic region, while answering questions about the global patterns of these phenomenon.

Read about Abigale Wyatt's great adventure as she travels on the R/V Sally Ride for a month-long cruise to study how plankton in the ocean affect the carbon cycle and, ultimately, the climate.

This graphic organizer may be used to help students analyze the processes and components of Earth System phenomena.

Students will identify and describe the relationship between watersheds and phytoplankton distribution. 

Meet Dr. Jessica Meir, a NASA Research Scientist & Astronaut, by reading an interview with Forbes Magazine describing how she got her start as a marine biologist.

Listen to this podcast interview where Allison Lee describes her experience working in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as shares her passion for phytoplankton research.

What is the hydrosphere and why is it important?

NASA Worldview is a free online visualization tool that is a great launchpad for learners who are new (or veteran) users of satellite data.

This NASA visualization shows sea surface salinity observations (September 2011-September 2014). Students review the video and answer questions.

Explore the biosphere and why it is important.