Ocean Currents http://cosee-central-gom.org/ovweb/caribbean%20cruisers/oceancurrent1.html Goals: 1. Label the names, relative temperature, distribution, and direction of flow of major ocean currents on a world map. 2. Explore and model the natural forces that affect the movement of ocean currents through demonstrations in class, laboratory experiments, and internet research. 3. Research and summarize how ocean currents affect society, particularly in areas of nutrient rich upwelling. 4. Document ocean current lab activities and observations and document internet research in a lab write up . 5. Solve mathematical problems related to hypothetical journeys by Timothy and Philip (The Cayand Timothy of the Cay ) which involve distance, rate, and time. 6. Research the internet to observe seasonal variations of ocean currents, water temperature, ocean water salinity, and wind speeds. Resources: 1. Portions of this lab were modified from Lab 35: Ocean Currents of the following resource: Alexander, Peter, et. al., Earth Science Laboratory Manual, Teachers Edition. Morristown. Silver Burdett Company, 1987 2. The following internet site: http://metosrv2.umd.edu/~owen/EARTHCAST/BUTTONS21/buttons21.html Materials: Part II - Surface Ocean Currents 1. Multiple copies (one for each student) of world maps showing the major unlabeled surface ocean currents 2. Each lab group should have the following: 1 circular pan (at least 10 in diameter) 1 lazy Susan food coloring 1 medicine dropper water 1 small fan modeling clay

Part III - Deep Ocean Currents 1. Each lab group should be supplied with the following: 1 clear rectangular pan (9 x 13 or larger) 1 wooden or metal partition to divide the rectangular pan in half the short way

modeling clay food coloring hot tap water ice

Part IV - Mathematical Computations 1. Each student should have the following: calculator ocean current maps (created in earlier part of lesson) rulers string Time: This lesson will take approximately 8 hours (Parts I and II: 4 hours, Part III: 3 hours, Part IV: 1 hour) Procedure: Part I. Introduction (by the teacher to the class) 1. Describe and illustrate to the class the two types of ocean currents (surface and deep ocean currents) and give general characteristics of each. Example: Surface Ocean Currents - are shallow (