Ocean Circulation: Lesson Plan

Powerpoint

Ocean Circulation

Description/Topics Covered:

  1. Surface Gyres (including video)

  2. The Gulf Stream

  3. The Ekman Spiral (including video)

  4. Geostrophic Flow

  5. Currents

  6. Upwellings

  7. Downwellings

  8. El Nino

  9. La Nina

  10. Langmuir Circulation

  11. Thermohaline Circulation

You Will Need

  1. 9x13" Clear Pan

  2. Cold Water

  3. Boiling Water

  4. Ice Cubes

  5. Red & Blue Food Coloring

  6. Rubber or Plastic Fish

Directions

STEP 1: Fill the glass container about halfway with cold water.

STEP 2: Mix in some blue food coloring. (about 1 to 2 drops)

STEP 3: Mix in a cup of ice cubes.

STEP 4: Add plastic or rubber fish/sharks into the water.

STEP 5: Boil 2 cups of water

STEP 6: Mix in red food coloring to make it a dark red. (about 2 to 4 drops)

STEP 6: Slowing pour the red hot water into the cold water and watch the currents start to form.