An Ocean of Caring
By: Lori Calabrese
Life began in the ocean about 3.1 billion years ago. The earth is covered by much more water than land—you could fit all the land on earth into the ocean three times over. There is so much water on earth that we often take it for granted. But without the ocean, we wouldn't be able to survive.
On June 8, countries and people all over the world will celebrate World Ocean Day. It’s a day for us to think about what the ocean offers and what we can do to protect it.
There are four major oceans—Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic. Did you know that all four oceans are connected? It’s really one big ocean, but because the ocean is so big, scientists have split it up and given it different names.
Whether you live near the ocean or far away, we all depend on the ocean. One way we use the ocean for is fun. Think of all the fun things you do at the beach. You can treasure hunt, surf, snorkel, collect seashells, swim, and much more. Without the ocean, how would you build a sandcastle? You need the water to keep the sand wet so it sticks together.
The ocean provides us beauty and inspiration. It can be very mysterious. One second it’s calm and peaceful, and the next it’s strong and powerful.
The ocean is an amazing world filled with colorful animals and plants. These animals and plants come in all weird shapes, sizes, and colors. Thanks to aquariums, we’re able to learn more about the different animals that live in our ocean.
Many people use the ocean to travel. Boats, ships, and freighters carry people, food, cars, and even toys from shore to shore.
Another way we use the ocean is for food. When you think of the food that comes from the ocean, most of us think about fish. People eat salmon, shrimp, tuna, and lobster. But other kinds of food also come from the ocean. Do you like ice cream? I bet you didn’t know that one kind of seaweed is often used to make ice cream. That’s right. Those soggy plants help keep ice cream thick and creamy.
The ocean also controls our weather and our temperature. Most importantly, it gives us life. It provides us with oxygen, which we need to breathe.
Unfortunately, people use the ocean as a garbage can. Oil spills and pollution from factories dirty our ocean. The most common garbage found is plastic. This can hurt the animals who thrive in the ocean. It’s up to each one of us to keep our oceans clean. Think what it would be like not to be able to go swimming or build a sandcastle. We’re just beginning to understand the relationship between the earth and the ocean, and there’s much more to be explored. After all, the more you know about the ocean, the more you’ll appreciate it.
Fun Ocean Facts:
· The ocean is the most populated place on earth.
· The water in the ocean is the same water that rains on us.
· The ocean covers 71% of our planet.
· The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the four main oceans. Although its name means peaceful, it can be very rough.
· The Atlantic Ocean is the busiest. Many ships travel between the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
· The Indian Ocean is bordered by the continents of Asia, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia.
· The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and coldest.
· Oceans are always moving.
· Tides change twice a day, all over the world. Scientists think this is caused by the pull of the sun on our earth.
Ideas to celebrate Ocean Day:
-Paint a picture of the ocean.
-Have a sandcastle building contest.
-Have an ocean scavenger or treasure hunt.
-Wear something blue.
-Visit an aquarium.
-Help pick up litter on the beach.
-Keep your beach clean.
Illustration Copyright © 2009 Clipart Creations
Copyright © 2009 by Lori Calabrese