Summary
The ocean covers most of our planet, holds nearly all of Earth's water, and hides its tallest mountains and deepest trenches. Scott Gass gives a sense of the ocean's staggering size and the many ways it shapes life on Earth.
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Ages 7+
TED-Ed lessons move quickly and use rich vocabulary — best for grades 5–6 (some grade 4 with support). No content concerns; preview once for pace.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
This lesson gives a real sense of just how much of Earth is ocean.
- About how much of Earth's surface does the ocean cover?
- Where is most of Earth's water found?
- Why does the size of the ocean matter for life on land?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: ocean, salt water, fresh water, reservoir.
Try it: If Earth's water filled 100 cups, about how many would be salty ocean water? Talk it through.