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Atmosphere and the Ocean

Ted Taylor
Ted Taylor
High School Educator
Bangor High School

Ted Taylor teaches Earth Science, Chemistry and Environmental Studies at Bangor High School in Bangor, Maine. He is a Professional Maine Geologist and holds a B.A. degree from Colby College and an M.S. degree from Lehigh University, both in Geology, and a Maine Teaching Certificate with a Physical Science endorsement. He focuses on teaching the scientific process through inquiry and real-world applications.

Webinar Clip
In this clip, Ted Taylor discusses how to get more ocean science topics into the classroom. He walks through new terminology, and connects processes that work together (heat from sun driving global winds, which drive currents) that students might not be as familiar with; to create a system that students know about (weather).

Full webinar: How Do We Teach Ocean Topics in the High School Earth Science Classroom?

Click here for a transcript of this clip (PDF, 33.6 KB).

Resources
Applicable Science Standards
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data Analyzing and Interpreting Data. Scientific investigations produce data that must be analyzed in order to derive meaning. Because data patterns and trends are not always obvious, scientists use a range of tools - including tabulation, graphical interpretation, visualization, and statistical analysis - to identify the significant features and patterns in the data. Scientists identify sources of error in the investigations and calculate the degree of certainty in the results. Modern technology makes the collection of large data sets much easier, providing secondary sources for analysis.
  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions. The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanatory accounts of the world. A theory becomes accepted when it has multiple lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power of phenomena than previous theories.
  • Engaging in Argument From Evidence Engaging in Argument From Evidence. Argumentation is the process by which evidence-based conclusions and solutions are reached. In science and engineering, reasoning and argument based on evidence are essential to identifying the best explanation for a natural phenomenon or the best solution to a design problem.