Ocean Depth Zones

CONCEPTUAL

Science›Ocean Life|Ages 7—9|ID: mt_sQpIV0-qY7

Understand that the ocean has different zones depending on depth and light: the sunlight zone near the surface where most life lives, the twilight zone where light fades, and the midnight zone of total darkness

Mastery Evidence

Name the three main ocean zones: sunlight, twilight, and midnight
Explain that light decreases with depth until it disappears completely
State that most ocean life is found in the sunlight zone because plants need light to grow

Assessment Prompt

“If [child] saw a diagram showing the ocean getting darker as you go deeper, could they name the three main zones and explain why most ocean animals live near the sunlit surface?”

Prerequisites2

What Is the Ocean?
hardAges 5—7
Ocean Animal Variety
hardAges 5—7

Show full prerequisite tree

What Is the Ocean? hard
Ocean zones require knowing the ocean is deep and vast
Ocean Animal Variety hard
Understanding zones requires knowing ocean has diverse life at different depths

Unlocks3

Deep-Sea Creatures
hardAges 9—11
Ocean Ecosystems
hardAges 9—11
The Ocean Floor
softAges 7—9