This site provides information on the many aspects of the study of the sea surface from space. Measuring the ocean surface topography provides information for studying global ocean circulation and the oceans heat budget. Regular scanning of the ocean surface to maintain a database of ocean surface topography can help predict short-term changes in weather and longer-term patterns of climate. Educational materials include a wide variety of games, puzzles, and facts; educational entertainment; on-line resources for educators; information about useful books; and links to lesson plans and classroom activities. There is information on obtaining a variety of visual materials on Oceanography and El Nino in both hardcopy form, which can be ordered over the net, or PDF files, which can be downloaded. A class activities area presents plans for classroom activities in Oceans, Climate and Life from the "Visit to an Ocean Planet" CD-ROM in PDF format; shows how an El Nino works using common household items; and describes an El Nino Skit for primary grades. This area also lists on-line resources for educators, information about useful books, and links to lesson plans and classroom activities.
