Alvin is a special underwater vehicle that lets scientists dive deep into the ocean to explore amazing things! It helps them check out weird creatures living in super tough places, see volcanic eruptions underwater, and discover all sorts of cool stuff in the deep blue sea. It’s like a submarine for scientists, and it goes on exciting adventures beneath the waves!
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #3: Exploring the Ocean
2. Read this book all about ALVIN and deep sea diving. Make a mini dictionary with interesting terms. Record the definition of each of the words you pick. Include at least 10 words in your dictionary.
3. Watch this video about Alvin. Choose 5 of the questions to answer. Remind your teacher that the answer key is in the Social Studies mini sparks folder.
- What year was the submersible Alvin first commissioned and what was its purpose?
- Who was the scientist that led the push to build the Alvin submersible?
- Describe one of the significant discoveries made by Alvin in the late 1970s.
- How did Alvin change our understanding of life on Earth and other ocean worlds?
- In what way did Alvin capture the world’s attention after the Titanic was found?
- What upgrades were made to Alvin that increased its dive depth capability?
- How has Alvin contributed to the field of deep sea research over the years?
- Discuss the importance of deep submergence technologies that have flourished due to Alvin.
4. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.