Resources for Educators
Providing Educators with Tools for Success
Delaware Sea Grant’s education specialists collaborate with faculty from the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment to create lesson plans, websites, and activities, both virtual and in-person, that help educators in classrooms and beyond reach their students with the latest science. Below is a collection of resources educators can use in formal and informal settings. Teachers interested in professional development should check out educator workshops and other training opportunities under Teacher Development.
Wind Energy Lessons
Since the first wind-powered generator was invented in 1888, humans have been creating and installing more efficient wind turbines all over the world. Wind farms are composed of many wind turbines, connected together and oriented so they maximize their electricity output. These lessons explore some of the mechanisms and impacts of generating electricity from the wind:
Elementary school — Determining Wind Direction
Middle school — Windfarm Impact on Precipitation
High school — Windfarm Impact on Precipitation
High school — Understanding Downwind Effects
Under the Scope
This website provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of zooplankton with information on their ecology, diversity, and current research in the mid-Atlantic region. Also included are resources for students and educators to aid in your collection and identification of local zooplankton, explore images of zooplankton with a magnifying glass, and lesson plans for using these tools to learn biology concepts. Lesson plans available on the site include:
Module 1 - Ctenophore Structures and their Functions
Module 2 - Zooplankton Biodiversity (Virtual Plankton Tow)
Module 3 - Zooplankton Migration Patterns: Behavioral Adaptations
Plus Modules from teacher workshop participants
Sea Breeze
Sea breezes can provide a welcome break from summertime temperatures and spark afternoon thunderstorms; however, their formation and strength are greatly affected by changes in land-use. Students will examine environmental observing system data and a radar loop to identify sea breeze fronts and discuss the implications of ongoing sea breeze research.
Heat Capacity
In this hands‐on introduction to heat capacity, students explore the concept and its effects on our daily lives. They use ocean observing system data to investigate why water acts as a thermal buffer and the practical applications of water's high heat capacity.