Where Did the Rubber Bath Toys Go?
Overview
This is an introductory investigation to be done in one class period. Students read a true story about bath toys that fell off a container ship and washed up on beaches around the world. Using a world map, they identify, locate, and record the dates and places where the toys were found. Finally, they write a hypothesis about how the rubber toys made their way to the various locations identified.
Focus Questions
- How did rubber bath toys lost overboard in the Pacific travel to beaches many miles away?
Enduring Understandings
- Physical changes in the aquatic environment occur on a daily, seasonal, and long-term basis.
- Weather systems and ocean systems have major influences on one another and the dynamics of matter and energy.
- Science and technology can be used to detect and solve problems.
Engagement
10 Minutes
Ask the students to read orally as a class or silently to themselves the following story, “Beachcombing Science from Bath Toys” by Curtis C. Ebbesmeyer. If the reading level is too high, ask them to read “Science from Bath Toys” Discuss the story and information in it to check for student understanding.
Exploration
20 Minutes
Pass out a photocopy of a world map (use this one or one of your own) with current geographical boundaries. Ask students to re-read the story and find the information in the story about where the rubber bath toys were found. Ask them to locate the places on the map and record them along with the dates that the toys were found. Model the first two or three entries as a class. An atlas or the Internet can be used to help locate any places that are unfamiliar.
Evaluation
Use students’ initial hypotheses to evaluate their prior knowledge of ocean currents. At the end of investigations 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, students will be asked again to answer the question “How did rubber bath toys lost overboard in the Pacific travel to beaches many miles away?” refining their hypothesis at each step and using key vocabulary words and concepts from the investigations.
Students may also be evaluated on the correct labeling of places on the world map of where the rubber toys were found.
Extension
Students who wish to learn more about the rubber toys can use books and sites listed under teacher resources.
Curricular Connections
Geography. This is a good opportunity to review places in the world.
Ideas for adapting to different local environment or context.
Teacher Needs
Teacher Prep
Make copies of the story and the outline map. Read the story and make a map to use as a reference.
Materials List
Student Handouts
Science notebooks
Science from Bath Toys story
World Map Image
Items for Group Display
none
Material Items
Atlas, Internet, or larger scale maps for finding place names
Colored pencils or pens to mark the map, or small “stickies” (dots or stars)
Facility/Equipment Requirements
None
Student Needs
Prior Knowledge
Basic understanding of how to use a map to locate place names. Understanding of latitude and longitude. Use of an atlas is helpful.
Vocabulary
Derelict, flotsam and jetsam, gyre, rupture
Standards
Science GLEs Addressed
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6th Grade: SA1.1, SE2.2
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7th Grade: SA1.1, SE2.2
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8th Grade: SA1.1
Other GLEs Addressed
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