The Dead Zone: A Marine Horror Story

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In this environmental science and data analysis activity, learners work in groups to track a Dead Zone (decreased dissolved oxygen content of a body of water) using water quality data from the Nutrient Enhanced Coastal Ocean Productivity (NECOP) Program. Learners use the dissolved oxygen data to construct a graph illustrating the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, practice data manipulation using Microsoft Excel (or graph paper), and recommend solutions for hypoxia, threatening marine life. This resource includes two links to optional follow up activities.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per student
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Computer with Excel and Internet Access
  • Graphing paper (optional)
  • Pen or pencil (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Ocean Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations
      • Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
      • Biodiversity
      • Human Impact
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
      • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elements and Periodic Table
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Number and Operations
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
      • Public Policy
      • Ethics
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • use keyboard
  • use mouse
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Rose, Laura

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • NOAA Sea Grant
  • National Marine Educators Association