Marine mammal
Marine life, as opposed to aquatic life, refers to plants and animals that have their main habitat in the ocean or sea and not in freshwater. Life has existed in the world's oceans for about four billion years. A range of school science projects could be presented to show the diversity of life in the world's oceans.
Effects of Oil Spills on Marine Life
A science project on the effects of large oil spills on marine life could present historical data and show the rate of injury, disease and death. Also, a simple scientific test for this project could show how oil acts once it is poured onto salt water. Use a test tank filled with salt water and pour oil into the tank. Float objects in the water to represent marine life and observe how oil coats them. By rocking the test tank, waves can be created to demonstrate how the oil spreads.
Migration Patterns
Oceans cover 71 percent of the Earth's surface. Animals living in the ocean usually live within a certain habitat. However, some animals follow migration patterns that nearly cross the globe. A science project could present a variety of different marine life and their migratory patterns. For instance, humpback whales live in the Arctic and Northern Pacific Oceans during the summer months and migrate south near Hawaii in the winter, where they breed. This migration covers 3,000 miles. This science project could show what purpose migrations have for marine life.
Evolution of Marine Life
A school science project could tell the story of the evolution of marine life in the oceans. For example, a starting point could be the Paleozoic Era, when ocean life formed and land animals appeared toward the end of the era. This project could be in the form of a time line with illustrations of the various types of marine life as they developed.
Effects of Global Warming
Periods of global warming have occurred in the past; however, current global warming has been increasing at a much faster rate than in previous times. A science project could discuss the effects global warming is having now on marine life and the effects it may have in the future. Also, the effects that temperature increases have on the salinity content and currents of the ocean could be presented, as well as what these changes mean for marine life.
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