Ocean Current Lesson Plans

Students discover the process of an ocean current. In this ocean lesson, students perform an experiment which demonstrates the movement of ocean currents. After, the students will plot and graph their data and share their findings with the whole class.

Students identify the Seven Seas and the Five Basins, and examine the significance of ocean currents and how they affect humans. They label a map, answer discussion questions, conduct research, and write a letter.

How does the formation of currents and waves in the ocean happen? High schoolers will learn about the primary causes for ocean currents and waves by calculating a wave's amplitude and nautical mile speed. Then they will complete a problem solving worksheet. Finally, they will complete the study with write an essay how the Coriolis force affects them personally.

Students investigate surface ocean currents. In this oceanography lesson, students work in small groups to create models that demonstrate surface currents, the Coriolis Effect, and how surface currents move debris. This lesson includes a storybook and three classroom activities that are very hands-on.

Learners use satellite data to explore sea surface temperature. They explore the relationship between the rotation of the Earth, the path of ocean current and air pressure centers. After studying maps of sea surface temperature and ocean surface winds, students discuss and map, the cold and warm currents. From the information they collect, they determine the best place to fish, and where fog may be found.

Students investigate how ocean currents affect our world. In this ocean currents lesson, students perform an experiment to show how cold water is near the poles and warm water is near the equator. Students use water, food coloring, ice cubes, and a baking dish to perform the experiment. Students create a report with their results, diagrams and an explanation.

Students observe a demonstration of how ocean currents move. For this ocean currents demonstration, students observe how ice melts and sinks below warmer water.

Young scholars identify the Seven Seas and the Five Basins; describe how ocean currents affect how and where marine debris moves; identify Pacific Ocean currents; map the starting location where cargo was originally dumped into the ocean and track the movement of the debris; and describe the significance of ocean currents and how they affect humans.

Students explore marine life by conducting a rubber duck experiment. In this water currents lesson plan, students practice identifying latitude and longitude coordinates on a map and define the currents of major oceans. Students discuss the impact of plastic debris on our oceans and utilize a rubber duck, plastic pieces and a water pan to conduct an ocean litter experiment.

Students study surface currents and why the waters are different temperatures.  In this ocean currents lesson students write a descriptive essay.