Standard Recognize the significant role of water in

�Standard: Recognize the significant role of water in Earth’s processes. �Essential Question: How do currents move water?

Ocean Currents Lab �Problem: What things affect the flow and direction of a current in a simulated model? Materials: �Shallow tray with water �Food coloring in a beaker �Cup �Rock �pipette �towels

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 sketch � 2. Where do the currents move rapidly? � 3. What happens to the water as it moves away from the wind source?

Activity 2 --Landmasses �Place 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 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 coastlines �Change 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 sketch � 2. Are the currents more or less complex with the irregular shaped object? � 3. Do the currents always move in the direction of the wind?

What’s the difference between waves and currents? �Watch a Studyjams video