Taking a Dip in the Ocean Data Pool An introduction to the importance of float data.This lesson’s purpose is to introduce how data is used to gather and communicate information about our day-to-day environment and why we (as students/teachers/scientists/community) should care. Using temperature data from ocean floats, this lesson will help launch the conversation of how and why data is used to understand our changing environment. The gateway to understanding how data communicates information about our everyday environment. Topics Floats Authors Marissa Adolfo, Lisa Ball, Seriah Brannock, Sallie Corbin, Chidi Duru, Katie Lodes and Kim Swan Teacher ResourcesLesson PlanOptional Extension ActivityExplore Floats Data Sheet—Teacher NotesOcean ConnectionsDirections for generating the graphs from this lesson Student ResourcesExplore Floats Data Sheet—Student Version Additional ResourcesAdopt-a-Float ProgramHow To Access Float Data for Educators Next Generation Science StandardsCrosscutting ConceptsPatternsCause and effectCore IdeasESS2.D: Weather and ClimateESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth SystemsPracticesAnalyzing and interpreting dataObtaining, evaluating, and communicating information Ocean Literacy Fundamental Concepts7.B: Understanding the ocean is more than a matter of curiosity. Exploration, inquiry and study are required to better understand ocean systems and processes.7.D: New technologies, sensors and tools are expanding our ability to explore the ocean. Ocean scientists are relying more and more on satellites, drifters, buoys, subsea observatories and unmanned submersibles.