Earth: Journey to Deep Sea Vents

This computer activity offers students the opportunity to explore the deep ocean. After an introduction by a scientist, students conduct a virtual dive in the deep sea submersible Alvin. They can control their rate of descent as voice balloons from Alvin tell them about the conditions and animals as it gets deeper. Virtual depth, temperature, and pressure gauges show how water conditions change as they descend. At the bottom, students identify the animals that inhabit the area around the vent. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary, Middle school