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Labrador & Nunavut Ocean Science & ActicNet/IPY Nunavut Health Survey Program

Caitlin Munroe, ARMADA Master Teacher
Della Landes, ARMADA Mentee

Print Resources
  • Appenzeller, Tim. 2007. The Big Thaw. National Geographic Vol.211 No.6: 56-71
    An article about glaciers, ice sheets, ice caps melting and sea levels rising. Excellent photos that compare several glaciers over time, and an incredible diagram of ice sheets and the factors that impact them on land and at sea.
  • Burnett, Nancy, Matsen, Brad. 2002. The Shape of Life. Monterey, CA: Monterey Bay Aquarium Press. 123 p.
    An absolutely incredible look at sponges, cnidarians, flatworms, annelids, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, and the early chordates. The photographs in this book are a gift! They are incredibly beautiful and the text extremely informative. Natural history and evolution are a focus and quotes are sprinkled throughout.
  • Challoner, Jack, Farndon, John, Kerrod, Robin, Walshaw, Rodney. 2002. Amazing Planet Earth: The Illustrated Science Encyclopedia. London, England: Hermes House. 255 p.
    A general earth science source which includes great photos, easy to read information, and projects for students up through middle school age. Basic ocean topics such as tides, coastal landscape features, surface currents, the ocean floor, climate change, the ozone layer, polar fronts, etc. Helpful in explaining some basic concepts that deal with ocean science.
  • Cheshire, Gerard. 2007. Spirit of the Polar Regions. Bath, England: Parragon Books Ltd. 256 p.
    Gerard Cheshire is a natural history writer and an ecological consultant. This volume focuses on the geography, wildlife, human exploration, indigenous native cultures, and the scientific importance of the arctic and Antarctic regions. It also highlights the shrinking of the polar icecaps and their role as indicators of climate change. The photography in this large format book is tremendous! Valuable as a source for polar images as well as a general fairly easy to read reference. My 4th and 5th grade students love this book!!!
  • Gramfors, Bo. 1990. Concise EarthFacts. Denver, CO: Earthbooks Inc. 184 p.
    A pocket-size book with a few good sections that help explain basic oceanography. Several have been useful with 4th and 5th grade students looking to acquire a background understanding: the topography of the ocean floor, eutrophication, sea fishing techniques, and a section on Antarctica.
  • Lawrence Hall of Science. 2001. Ocean Currents: Marine Science Activities for Grades 5-8. Berkeley, CA: The Regents of the University of California. 174 p.
    An easy to use activity book which examines basic oceanography and helps expand students' awareness of our oceans and their impact on the world. Includes activities on exploring our oceans using globes and different views and maps, waste disposal and currents, density, the Coriolis effect and upwelling and tropical versus polar currents.
  • Lawrence Hall of Science. 2001. Only One Ocean: Marine Science Activities for Grades 5-8. Berkeley, CA: The Regents of the University of California. 190 p.
    This volume has 4 main focal points; developing an understanding of how vast the ocean is, environmental issues involving the oceans and fishing industries, squid anatomy and dissection. A resource section for students and teachers.
  • Nicklen, Paul. 2007. Life At The Edge. National Geographic Vol.211 No.6:32-55
    A great photo gallery accompanies the article which focuses on wildlife in the arctic and the difficulties faced as climate changes. Bears, whales, seals, birds, and a map from University of Alaska and the National Snow and Ice Data Center showing arctic sea ice in 2000, 2050, and 2100.
  • World Wildlife Fund - International. 1999. Living Planet: Preserving Edens of the Earth. New York, NY: Crown Publishers. 256 p.
    Incredible photographs and articles from Frans Lanting, Galen Rowell, and David Doubilet. This book highlights the Global 200 and has excellent coverage of the marine ecoregions that have been identified as hot spots of ecological concern.
Web Resources
  • Effects of Climate Change on Antarctic Peninsula to be Investigated During IPY: News 19 February, 2008. National Snow and Ice Data Center.
    http://nsidc.org/news/press/20080219_IPYProposal.html
    Rapid effects of climate change on the Antarctic Peninsula to be studied by a team of international scientists, fieldwork to be conducted using the NB Palmer. A new ice core will be gathered that will provide high-resolution paleoclimate record. Contact info regarding the Antarctic Peninsula Project.
  • Melting Ice Threatens Polar Bears' Survival; Oceanus Magazine
    http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=12457&tid=282&cid=35187&print=this
    US Geological Survey scientists along with Hal Caswell (Woods Hole) and Christine Hunter (University of Alaska) collected data on polar bears from 2001 to 2005. The study concludes that melting Arctic ice is a critical threat to the survival of Polar bears. Several excellent images including; Record low of the extent of sea ice in the Arctic from September 2005, and the new record from September 2007, and a NOAA Model Simulation of Sea Ice Concentration from 1885 though 2085. A few paragraphs relating to Polar bears' habits and populations, another few on the Endangered Species Act process.
  • OceanInsight; Commotion in the Ocean. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
    http://www.whoi.edu-OceanInsight
    A presentation Amy Bower gave on February 28, 2007 at the Boston Museum of Science. An excellent section on Global Warming and why the Oceans are important, a discussion of where ocean currents take heat, the importance of the North Atlantic(from approximately 5:25 to 12:52 on the timer). Another section called Oceanographer's Toolbox which discusses satellite sensors, CTDs, floats (that drift under surface), and Pop-up floats (beginning at 12:55). She uses visuals and video clips during her talk.
  • Ocean Insight; Irminger Rings in the Labrador Sea. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
    http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=16976
    An article on a research expedition in September of 2007 to the Labrador Sea. Well-written, easy to understand - around 5th/6th grade level.. Links to the research vessel, science gear descriptions and photos, the science team members, Daily Journals, Audio postcards. A great look at a 9-day research voyage in the Labrador Sea.
  • Ocean Planet; Oceanographic Facts. Smithsonian Institution.
    http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/OCEAN_PLANET/HTML/education_oceanographic_facts
    A page with excellent ocean facts that help build background knowledge for students and teachers not familiar with the ocean. Also a contact with SeaWiFS at NASA.
  • Polar Discovery; Arctic Location and Geography. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
    http://polardiscovery.whoi.edu/arctic/geography.html
    Information on the Arctic including a map, Arctic basins, Arctic Ocean seafloor, ice sheets, etc. Great for 4th through 7th grade.
  • Polar Discovery; Antarctica Location and Geography. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
    http://polardiscovery.whoi.edu/antarctica/geography.html
    Elevation, Lake Vostok, geologic history, and size are discussed on this informative page about Antarctica. Great for 4th through 7th grade.