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In this quick activity, learners observe how wind creates ocean currents. By blowing (through straws) on pepper suspended in water, learners will notice how the pepper moves in a clockwise motion, the same basic motion of the currents in the Northern Hemisphere. This resource explains why currents in the Northern Hemisphere behave this way and how currents in the Southern Hemisphere move differently. This resource also includes tips related to rip current safety.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Drinking straws
  • Baking pan(s) or pie pan(s)
  • Coarse ground black pepper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
      • Atmosphere
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
      • Energy and Power
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, National Weather Service,