Earth Science Rocks!Warm Up

Question: What causes ocean tides?

Earth Science Rocks!

Standard: Recognize the significant role of water in Earth’s processes.

 Essential Question: How do currents move

water?

Ocean Currents LabProblem: What things affect the flow and direction

of a current in a simulated model?

Materials:Shallow tray with waterFood coloring in a beakerCupRockpipettetowels

Activity 1—Global Winds Carefully fill the tray with water. Let

the water settle. Place a few drops of food coloring at one end of the tray, being careful not to “push” the water with your pipette. Gently blow across the tray.

1. Observe and sketch2. Where do the currents move rapidly?3. What happens to the water as it moves away

from the wind source?

Activity 2--LandmassesPlace a cup upside down in the middle of

the tray. Put the rock on top to weigh down the cup. The cup represents an island. Add a few drops of food coloring in the front of the island and gently blow across the tray. 1. Observe and sketch. 2. What effect does the island have on the

current?3. Is the current stronger in front of or behind

the island. How can you tell?

Activity 3 –Geography of coastlinesChange the water if needed. Take out the

cup and place the rock in the water. This models a natural coastline with an irregular shape. Add a few drops of food at one end of the tray and blow across the tray.

1. Observe and sketch2. Are the currents more or less complex

with the irregular shaped object?3. Do the currents always move in the

direction of the wind?

Activity 4—Rotation of the Earth and Coriolis EffectChange the water if needed. Add a few drops

of food coloring in a pie pan. Gently turn the pan while blowing in one direction.

List 3 things that might influence the movement of currents in the ocean.

What’s the difference between waves and currents?

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