How much does the sun heat up a lake or ocean? Scholars use a cup and a strong lamp to investigate the heat transfer and thermal layers in the ocean to come up with the answer. They collect data and graph it in order to better understand and address analysis questions.

Concepts

ocean zones, ocean habitats, radiation, oceans, lakes, temperature, heat

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Repeat the experiment in a cup surrounded with black paper to see if it changes the result (take paper off when measuring depth)

Classroom Considerations

• If enough materials are available, let groups of two or three pupils perform the experiment; if materials aren't available, perform the experiment as a demonstration instead
• Requires prior knowledge of taking measurements and graphing

Pros

• Uses affordable, common materials
• Includes a photo of the proper way to set up the experiment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.4