Ocean Currents

What do plate tectonics and ocean currents have to do with global climate? This fourth installment in a six-part series focuses on how plate tectonics and ocean currents affect global climate, both now and in the past, outlines an...

There's more to climate than just the weather — explore the different components that affect weather with an enlightening resource. A hands-on unit takes an inquiry-based approach to studying wind and ocean currents. Learners discover...

Oceanography observers keep current on how currents form in the ocean. In this demonstration, they will see how denser water, whether it is caused by the addition of salt or cooling of temperature, sinks. The title of the handout...

Density drives the ocean currents. The difference in density is caused by the sun heating up the water and causing evaporation that leaves salt behind. The result? Thermohaline circulation! You could highlight this fine film in your...

Sixth graders experiment to understand the ocean's currents.  In this ocean current lesson, 6th graders complete an experiment with two bottles of water and an index card to discover information about the ocean current.  Students...

Go with the flow! The eighth installment in a 13-part series has earth science students dive in to the world's system of ocean currents. The interactive illustrates the different types and depths of currents, how wind and gravity...

What forces drive the ocean's currents? Science scholars observe global ocean currents at different depths to explore their characteristics and patterns. Part of PBS's Weather and Climate series, the resource includes teaching...

Salty sailors in days gone by used to speak of the seven seas. What they didn't know was that their world was one big ocean! Seaworthy scholars climb aboard an adventure that features the major ocean currents during a lesson from PBS's...

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

Get lost at sea amid colorful ocean currents! Learners discover the patterns of movement and temperature in the North Atlantic's currents through a simulation, part of PBS's Weather and Climate series. The resource contains background...