Convection Currents (Anna Tavitian)
Author
Anna Tavitian
Principle(s) Illustrated
Convection Currents
Density
Temperature Inversion
Standards
Middle School - 6th grade
Energy in the Earth System
4.Many phenomena on Earth’s surface are affected by the transfer of energy through radiation and convection currents.
High School - Earth Science
Energy in the Earth System
5.Heating of Earth’s surface and atmosphere by the sun drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean currents.
6. Climate is the long-term average of a region’s weather and depends on many factors.
Questioning Script
Prior knowledge & experience:
Denser objects sink and less dense objects float.
Convection current - warm fluid rises and cooler fluid sinks.
Root question:
What is the relationship between hot and cold fluid?
Target response:
The warmer fluid will rise as the cooler fluid sinks due to difference in temperature and density.
Common Misconceptions:
Color has something to do with the reason the water mixes or doesn't.
Photographs and Movies
Materials:
4 bottles
blue and yellow food coloring
playing card
hot and cold water
Materials:
2 small containers
red and blue food coloring
a large bowl
hot and cold water
References
Denver's Brown Cloud - Steve Spangler