Students investigate how warming seawater affects sea levels by measuring water expansion when heated. They analyze their results, discuss thermal expansion’s role in sea level rise, and explore the broader impacts of melting Arctic sea ice on climate and ecosystems.
Students investigate whether melting Arctic sea ice affects sea levels by observing an ice cube melting in a cup of water. They record predictions, analyze results, and discuss how ice displacement explains why sea ice melt does not raise sea levels, with extensions exploring water density differences.
In this 3-4 day investigation, students explore how seafloor topography steers ocean flows and blocks deep water mixing. They create a seafloor model, test colored saline water, and reinforce learning through discussion, writing, and an animated video.
Students investigate how polar and tropical climates influence ocean currents by conducting an experiment with hot and cold water to observe density-driven movement.
Students conduct hands-on experiments to understand thermohaline circulation, learning how temperature and salinity affect density. They design their own experiments to simulate ocean mixing, building on introductory activities that define density.