A Bolt from the Blue demonstrates the chemical formation of methane hydrates deep below the world’s oceans. Utilizing a series of clathrate structures, the poster reveals new windows of scientific research currently being performed in the complex study of gas hydrates. By visualizing the face of each clathrate structure through an image, the poster simplifies chemical concepts, enabling students to learn the fundamentals for advanced chemistry, including subtopics for temperature conversions, balancing chemical equations, and gas laws. The poster works discussion questions into each caption, allowing teachers to transition into the challenging activities provided on the back of the poster.

A Bolt from the Blue addresses the National Science Education Standards for advanced high school and undergraduate chemistry, Earth and environmental science courses.

View video produced by Dr. Marta E. Torres. of Oregon State University Methane-Ice in Marine Sediments: Where, How and Why We Study These Deposits

A copy of the Bolt from the Blue poster is available free of charge by e-mailing learning@oceanleadership.org.

Download the Bolt from the Blue poster (PDF: 4.6MB)
Download classroom activities for use with this poster. (PDF: 1MB)