In this activity, learners will compare predicted and observed tides using data from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA). The objectives of this activity include being able to describe the forces causing tides and appraise accuracy of tidal predictions.
In this experiment, learners float colored ice cubes in hot and cold water. They compare the behavior of the melting ice cubes to understand how temperature is related to ocean currents and how temperature changes water density. The printable eight-page handout includes a series of inquiry-based questions to get learners thinking about how and why water temperature changes along with depth. Illustrated experiment directions and a worksheet help learners use the experiment results to gain a deeper understanding of buoyancy and density.
In this simple activity, learners explore ocean waves. To find out if water moves forward toward the shore, learners create waves in a simulated ocean (small aquarium tank of water). Learners compare how and where a cork moves before and after the waves. Learners discover that the cork moves in a circular motion. This resource also includes information about waves, crests, troughs, and wavelengths.