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Education: STEM Topics

For the science-interested public, these pages are an invitation to explore real-world science through the voices of research scientists who are passionate about their work. Video clips and relevant resources (images, additional movies, data, etc.) have been matched to over a dozen topical areas including Solving Old Problems with New Technology and Small Scale Observations and Large Scale Ideas.
Asking Questions and Defining Problems Developing and Using Models Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Analyzing and Interpreting Data Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Engaging in Argument from Evidence Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Artist depiction of the Aquarius/SAC-D Observatory in orbit
Solving Old Problems With New Technology
Learn how scientists are using technology to fill data gaps (12)
  
SPURS sampling schematic
Satellite and In Water-Instruments as Complementary Tools
Make the connections between ocean-going research equipment and outer space satellites (7)
Photorealistic view of the water cycle
The Ocean is Different From Land
Review the difference between Earth processes taking place over the land versus the ocean (6)
  
Currents on the ocean surface
The Conversation Between the Ocean and the Atmosphere
See how the interaction between oceans and atmosphere drive major Earth processes (13)
Ocean circulation
Go With the Flow
Observe how water moving throughout ocean basins can be used to predict larger patterns of ocean circulation (11)
  
Sea glider
Mapping in Four Dimensions
Witness the evolution of oceanographic data collection, from single-point measurements to global satellite observing (10)
Ocean wave
The Ocean is a Hostile Environment
Experience the challenges of sampling at sea and get a glance at the kinds of instrumentation used in this turbulent environment (4)
  
Polar ice cap
Climate Change is Ocean Change
Recognize the impacts climate change is having on the ocean, and how these impacts have far-reaching consequences (5)
Small scale processes in the ocean
Small Scale Observations and Large Scale Ideas
Investigate the processes happening at small scales in the ocean and how they interact with large-scale processes to form complex systems (8)
  
Engineers standing beside the Aquarius instrument
It Takes A Team
Find out more about how successful collaborations drive impactful scientific research projects (4)
Flux mooring
From a Single Point
Learn how fixed moorings in the open ocean collect a variety of highly-detailed data that can be used to observe large scale trends (7)
  
Layering in the ocean
The Layered Ocean
Observe the difference between surface ocean processes and those taking place at the very depths of the water column (3)
Computer data
The Who, What, Where, When, and Why of Data!
Investigate the ins and outs of oceanographic data collection (9)