Underwater Volcano (Randy Daniels)

Author

Randy Daniels

Principle(s) Illustrated

1. Convection

2. Heat Transfer

3. Weather Conditions

Standards

• HS-ESS2-3. Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on both a one-dimensional model of Earth, with radial layers determined by density, and a three-dimensional model, which is controlled by mantle convection and the resulting plate tectonics. Examples of evidence include maps of Earth’s three-dimensional structure obtained from seismic waves, records of the rate of change of Earth’s magnetic field (as constraints on convection in the outer core), and identification of the composition of Earth’s layers from high-pressure laboratory experiments.]

• MS-ESS2-6. Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on how patterns vary by latitude, altitude, and geographic land distribution. Emphasis of atmospheric circulation is on the sunlight-driven latitudinal banding, the Coriolis effect, and resulting prevailing winds; emphasis of ocean circulation is on the transfer of heat by the global ocean convection cycle, which is constrained by the Coriolis effect and the outlines of continents. Examples of models can be diagrams, maps and globes, or digital representations. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the dynamics of the Coriolis effect.]

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

Students already know that water is a liquid, which is a state of matter.

Root question:

The initial prediction would be that the colored water, once submerged in another glass of water, would begin to mix instantly as it pours out of the hole in the aluminum foil.

Target response:

The warm water inside of the smaller glass, once released would rise to the surface of the cold water. This is an example of how convection (currents) work in the atmosphere, as well as beneath the earth's crust. Warm air (or water, lava, etc.) rises to the surface of the cold water.That warm water, as it cools, sinks, only to rise to the surface again once it is warmed.This repeated motion circulates pockets of air in the atmosphere, as well as molten rock (lava) beneath the Earth's crust, which causes tectonic plate movement.

Common Misconceptions:

Students will think that the colored water and the color water will mix immediately. They don't stop to consider the fact that the hot water will rise, much like warm air in a room, or in the atmosphere.

Photographs and Movies

Put all photos in the class Picasa Album and reference here. Do not upload the photos directly to this wiki as there is not enough memory in the website.

Put all movies in your own Youtube account. Make sure that the account is set for public viewing.

References

Reference 1. Make an Underwater Volcano and Learn about Convection! Link to youtube video