Oceans of data in National Geographic MapMaker
Sea Surface Temperature
The Sea Surface Temperature map has four different layers that show the temperature in March, June, September and December 2023. The image above shows the comparison between March and September using the Swipe tool. You will also notice that the Ocean Surface Currents layers is also turned on to help students understand how the ocean currents move and transfer heat from one location to another.
Explore the map using this link: https://arcg.is/0a9Pvz
Ocean Currents in Motion
The Ocean Currents in Motion map shows the average velocity of ocean currents from February 2022 to February 2023. It is a great resource to help students understand the complexity of how our oceans move and a way to trigger their curiosity. Put the map on the board as students are entering the classroom as a bridge into a lesson, their perceptions or misconceptions will be a great springboard into learning about the subject.
Explore the map using this link: https://arcg.is/PD9ST0
Sea Floor Crustal Age
Diving a little deeper into the Oceans theme, the Sea Floor Crustal Age map can help students understand the dynamic processes that help to shape the Earth. The image above shows the map used with the Elevation Profile tool that clearly shows the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and continental shelves of North America and Africa.
Students can also explore the map by click on different locations to see the different geologic ages of the sea floor. What pattern do they see and what processes could they describe to explain this? A great tool for critical thinking and a way to help immerse students in the subject matter.
Explore the map using this link: https://arcg.is/04XSOz1