[26-May-2022] In part one of this two-part lesson students work in pairs to explore the effects of salinity on ocean stratication using a simple plastic shoebox-sized container in which they create a mini-ocean environment. Students will apply what they learn in the lab setting along with information gained in several online articles to a basic understanding of the Global Conveyor Belt and its effect on global climate. This hands-on activity is suitable for learners in the middle grades and above, and takes about 1 week to complete in a formal education setting. Authors have provided extensive notes on objectives, lesson preparation, procedures, standards covered, extensions and resources, assessment worksheet and lab discussion questions, and credits. Scroll to bottom of web link provided to download pdf files of all materials for this investigation. To access part two of this lesson plan, Investigating Earth's Hydrosphere: Ocean Currents and Temperature, see link Investigating Earth's Hydrosphere: Ocean Currents and Temperature | PolarTREC.

View: Click on the image to enlarge. Click on the Escape key or anywhere outside the shadowbox to close.

Download: To download a copy, right click on the image and select Save Image As (on a Mac keyboard, click the touchpad while holding down the Control key). To download the highest resolution in our database, first click on the image to enlarge and then save that version.