MEET THE CHALLENGE AND DESIGN YOUR OWN BLACK "SMOKER" RECOVERY PLAN
Suggested Age Group
Grades 7-12
Goal
To consider the challenges involved in the recovery of a black "smoker", or
sulfide chimney, and design a plan.
Objective
After researching, discussing, questioning, and brainstorming, students will
design a 3-step plan for recovering a sulfide chimney.
Materials
Paper and pen/pencil
Optional: Online access to Black Smoker Web site bulletin board area.
Activity
Part 1: Research
Students read and familiarize themselves with the Black Smoker Expedition
Web site. They may do this online or teacher can preprint the Web pages
(http://www.amnhonline.org/expeditions/blacksmokers).
Part 2: Discuss
Facilitate a class discussion OR break into groups and have students
research the following specific questions, then present their answers to the
rest of the class.
| What are the challenges that the engineering team must consider in
attempting to recover a black "smoker"? |
| How can the weather affect a research expedition? |
| Predict what the Mothra chimneys will look like this summer (sketch them). |
| How would pressure at the recovery site affect a Styrofoam cup? Your body? |
| At what temperature does water boil at your lab station? How does this compare to temperatures at the site of an active sulfide chimney? |
| Why would there be a size limit on the sulfide chimney to be recovered? |
| How would engineers determine what the maximum size and weight of the recovered sulfide chimney should be? |
Part 3: Design a Plan for Recovery
Having considered the conditions and challenges of deep-sea retrieval of a
black "smoker", have the students design a plan for recovery, either
individually or in small groups. Including at least 3 sequential steps,
students should draw a series of events to show their recovery idea (as in a
cartoon strip or the steps of a recipe). Students should also write captions
to explain each step, label the parts of the drawing, and title the plan.
Part 4: Optional Online Sharing
Students post their final plan for black "smoker" retrieval on the bulletin
board area of the Black Smoker Web site. This electronic board will allow
students to share their ideas with students around the country and people
around the world. | 
