The oceans cover most of Earth's surface. We get many things from the oceans - fish, shrimp, clams, and other seafood. We also use the oceans for recreation and to transport material from place to place. But, what else do we get from the oceans? You probably use many products everyday that are made from organisms that live in the oceans. Many of the ingredients in our food, in toothpaste, and in medicines come from ocean organisms.

What products do we use that come from the oceans?

Think about the plants and animals that live in the oceans. Form a hypothesis as to what products are manufactured from organisms that live in the oceans.

     Goals

• Research and identify organisms that are used to make useful products.

• Explain why it is important to keep the oceans clean.

    Data Sources

• Weblinks
• View Student Data

     Plan

1. Use the web sites listed on the Glencoe Science Web Site to describe products made from the oceans.
2. Investigate where the organisms live and how they are harvested. Use the data table on the next page as a guide.
3. Choose a specific product and research how it is manufactured.

     Do

1. Make sure your teacher approves your plan and your resource list before you proceed.
2. Find at least three ocean organisms that are used to make products you use every day.
3. Research where each organism is found and how it is collected or harvested.
4. Post your list in the data table below. Sample data is given in the first row.

1. Post the locations on the web site map where the organisms on your list are commonly found.
2. Are there any substitutes or alternatives in the products for the substances made from the ocean organisms?
   

1. Describe the ways in which ocean organisms are useful to humans.
2. How might the activities of humans interfere with the ocean organism you researched?
3. Are there any substitutes from the ocean organisms in the products? Are the substitutes more or less expensive?

4. Can you tell if the ocean-made product is better than the substitute product? Explain.
5. Why is it important to conserve ocean resources and keep the oceans clean?