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Explore the two largest oceans that border the Americas.
Did you know that if you looked at Earth from space, it would look like a giant blue marble? That is because most of our planet is covered by massive oceans that are deeper than the tallest mountains!
The Atlantic Ocean is the body of water that borders the East Coast of the United States. If you look at it on a map, it has a special shape that looks a bit like the letter 'S'. It is the second-largest ocean in the world. For hundreds of years, people have sailed across the Atlantic to travel between the Americas and Europe. Even though it is huge, it is only about half the size of the Pacific Ocean!
Quick Check
Which ocean is located on the East Coast of the United States and is shaped like the letter 'S'?
Answer
The Atlantic Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean is found on the West Coast of the United States. It is the largest and deepest ocean on our planet. It is so big that it covers more than of the entire Earth's surface! In fact, you could put all of the land on Earth together, and it would still fit inside the Pacific Ocean. It also contains the deepest place on Earth, called the Mariana Trench, which is over feet deep.
Imagine you are standing in the middle of the United States. 1. Look to your Left (West): You will find the Pacific Ocean. 2. Look to your Right (East): You will find the Atlantic Ocean. 3. Remember: The Pacific is the 'Big One' on the left!
Quick Check
Is the Pacific Ocean larger or smaller than the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer
The Pacific Ocean is larger.
The Americas (North and South America) sit right between these two giant oceans. The oceans are like neighbors that help keep our planet cool and provide homes for millions of sea creatures. While the Atlantic is famous for its 'S' shape, the Pacific is famous for its incredible size and depth. Together, they hold most of the salt water on our planet.
Let's compare the two oceans using a simple scale: 1. If the Atlantic Ocean was the size of swimming pool, the Pacific Ocean would be almost as big as swimming pools! 2. The Atlantic is the 'S' neighbor on the East. 3. The Pacific is the 'Giant' neighbor on the West.
Which ocean is the largest and deepest in the world?
If you are at a beach in California on the West Coast, which ocean are you looking at?
The Atlantic Ocean is shaped like the letter 'S'.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to draw a map of the Americas and label which ocean goes on the left and which goes on the right.
Practice Activity
Look at a globe or a world map and trace the 'S' shape of the Atlantic Ocean with your finger!