22 Chapter 3: Time to Apply

The JOIDES Resolution website has an entire collection of Classroom Activities that include lesson plans, data exercises, digital interactives, posters, and career information. Below are some highlighted materials to support teaching and learning about scientific ocean drilling that connect to the content in this chapter. We also encourage you to explore the Resources for Educators page in this OER for links to additional exercises and assessments.

Back in 1968, Science News published an article titled Drilling under the sea. The article was published the same month Glomar Challenger began its journey as part of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP). As you read the article, pay careful attention to the section that starts with the bold word Sediments (you will also find amusing in this section the mention of green cheese, no doubt!).

• The article states that the “first target” (part of Leg 1) will be the dome-like structures in the Gulf of Mexico. What did scientists believe these domes could be?
  • Now visit the Initial Report from Leg 1 that summarizes the results of Glomar Challenger‘s time at sea. Read through the first two paragraphs of the Report’s Introduction and make note of the scientific achievements.
  • Write an update to this article for Science News, now that you know the scientific results of DSDP Leg 1. Make reference to what was predicted in the 1968 article.
• Continue reading the Sediments section of the 1968 Science News article. Where was Glomar Challenger sailing for Leg 2? What did the scientists hope to learn?
  • Now visit the Initial Report from Leg 2. Read through the Report’s Introduction and summarize the successes and challenges (for science, and for the ship).
• Towards the end of the Science News article, the earlier research vessel HMS Challenger is described as “the great breakthrough in the development of oceanography as a science.” The last sentence of the article states, “The new Challenger… is, in our day, an equally important step.” What do you think “equally important step” is referring to? Is there anything from what you have learned about DSDP Leg 1 and Leg 2 that has you agreeing or disagreeing with regards to the importance of Glomar Challenger? Explain.

Dr. Suzanne O’Connell published in GSA Today (2018) an excellent review of scientific ocean drilling, past and present. Titled Holes in the Bottom of the Sea: History, Revolutions, and Future Opportunities, the article is a snapshot of the history of the programs and the ships – and most importantly, the scientific results.

• According to Dr. O’Connell, what are the three major revolutions we now have in our understanding of Planet Earth, thanks to scientific ocean drilling?
• Go back to the page in this OER on Ocean Literacy. Which Ocean Literacy Principle(s) apply to each of the revolutions as defined by Dr. O’Connell, and how do they apply?

Why drill there?  —  Imagine you are a scientist writing a proposal to use the JOIDES Resolution. Where would you drill? This activity guides students through the drill site selection process. This activity is in the For Educators section of the JOIDES Resolution website.

Antarctica and Neogene global climate change  —  In this chapter you will build basic geographic and geologic knowledge of Antarctica and use geologic reasoning. In Part 11.1, you will review your understanding of the oxygen isotope curve, interpret global climate conditions from this curve, and assess the validity of your global interpretations based on the global distribution of sediment cores. In Part 11.2, you will become familiar with the geography and geologic units of the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and review or build your knowledge of southern hemisphere seasons, sea-ice, ice-shelves, and the challenges associated with obtaining a sediment core from the floor of McMurdo Sound. You will also build and use your understanding of simple geologic maps, cross sections, and the geologic time scale, so you can explain the reasons for selecting drill sites in McMurdo Sound. In Part 11.3, you will review the existing data from sediment cores in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and use the knowledge gained in Parts 11.1 and 11.2 to identify a target stratigraphic interval and select two drill sites. This activity is in the For Educators section of the JOIDES Resolution website. *Note that some of the links to websites and videos will need to be updated before handed out to students.