How do temperature changes affect ocean currents? Scholars explore convection currents by demonstrating the flow of water in a baking dish. They use ice, heat, and food coloring to see currents. Then, they draw conclusions about their findings and relate to the currents in the ocean, identifying similarities and differences with their demonstrations.

Concepts

temperature, temperature changes, ocean currents, convection currents, oceans, the earth, water density, water temperature, convection

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have pupils draw out diagrams of what they expect to see in the experiment as hypotheses to test
• Use as an introductory, inquiry-based activity on ocean currents to begin discussion

Classroom Considerations

• Requires materials that may not be available in all classrooms

Pros

• Includes option for extension activity
• Provides key vocabulary and background information

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4