Coral reef habitat: A fisherman tries his luck with a simple net in American Samoa.
Image courtesy of Kip F. Evans

Ocean Literacy - Essential Principle 4

The ocean makes Earth habitable.

Fundamental Concept 4a.
Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere originally came from the activities of photosynthetic organisms in the ocean.

Fundamental Concept 4b.
The first life is thought to have started in the ocean. The earliest evidence of life is found in the ocean.

Last modified July 29, 2009 by Becca Hatheway.

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The Winter 2009 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on Earth System science, including articles on student inquiry, differentiated instruction, geomorphic concepts, the rock cycle, and much more!

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The Earth Scientist, Volume XXV, Issue 4, Winter 2009

This special issue of The Earth Scientist, which focuses on Earth System science, was sponsored by The Pennsylvania State University TESSE Team. The issue features the work of middle and high school teachers, and graduate and undergraduate students who have participated in the TESSE program from 2006 - 2009....more

Oxygen

Oxygen is a chemical element with an atomic number of 8 (it has eight protons in its nucleus). Oxygen forms a chemical compound (O2) of two atoms which is a colorless gas at normal temperatures and pressures....more

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the name of the process by which autotrophs (self-feeders) convert water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy into sugars and oxygen. It is a complex chemical process by which plants and...more

Ocean Literacy Framework

Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Science The Earth's ocean covers about 71% of the planet's surface with saline waters. Ocean currents flow continuously, exchanging nutrients and...more

Atmospheric Science Literacy - Essential Principle 7

Earth's atmosphere and humans are inextricably linked. Fundamental Concept 7.1 Most living organisms on Earth are dependent on Earth's atmosphere and its processes for survival. We require oxygen for breathing;...more

Atmospheric Science Literacy - Essential Principle 4

Earth's atmosphere changes over time and space, giving rise to weather and climate. Fundamental Concept 4.1 Weather is the state of Earth's atmosphere at a particular place and time. The climate of a particular...more

Atmospheric Science Literacy - Essential Principle 6

We seek to understand past, present, and future behavior of Earth's atmosphere through scientific observation and reasoning. Fundamental Concept 6.1 Our understanding of Earth's atmosphere comes from analysis,...more

Atmospheric Science Literacy - Essential Principle 1

Earth has a thin atmosphere that sustains life. Fundamental Concept 1.1 Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases with small, but important, quantities of liquid and solid particles. Fundamental Concept...more

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