Cold Seeps

Student Investigation:

Fire Ice in the Deep Sea

Grade Level:

6th-8th grade (Physical Science/Properties of Matter)

Lesson Description:

A gas hydrate is an ice-like substance that forms in deep-sea sediments when low-density gas, like methane, ethane, or carbon dioxide, combines but does not chemically bond with water and freezes into a solid under low temperature and moderate pressure conditions. In this investigation, students analyze chemical structures and make observations in order to develop and use a model to explain the phenomenon: How does methane hydrate form on and below the seafloor?

Lesson Components:

Standards:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

Performance Expectation: MS-PS1-4
Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter

Ocean Literacy Essential Principles:

Principle 5: FCs e, g

Supporting Images/Videos:

Methane Hydrate Formation Demonstration Video. Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration.
Download larger version. (mp4, 2.5 MB)