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Learners model the ocean currents that carry hot water from the tropics to northern latitudes. By placing small containers of hot and cold water inside a larger container of cold water, learners can see convection currents in action. When learners set up a free account at Kinetic City, they can answer bonus questions at the end of the activity as a quick assessment. As a larger assessment, learners can complete the Bug Blaster game after they've completed several activities.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Demonstration, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- A source of hot and cold water
- Red and blue food coloring
- A bucket (about 1 gallon -- clear, white, or some other pale color)
- Two small (30 ml) measuring cups (like the kind you use to take medicine)
- Plastic wrap
- Two large marbles
- Rubber bands
- A sharpened pencil or fork
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth Processes
- Weather and Climate
-
Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
-
Earth Processes
-
Physical Sciences
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
-
States of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- use mouse
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes assesments for student learning:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
Rights:
- All rights reserved, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation