Understanding Ocean Currents and Simulations

In this lesson, students explore ocean currents and gyres using a digital model. They learn new vocabulary, track currents in a simulation, and analyze the results to draw conclusions. The lesson concludes with a discussion on how ocean currents affect temperatures and introduces future topics.

What is an ocean current?

• A type of ocean wave

• Ocean water flowing in a continuous path

• A large body of still water

• A small stream of water on land

What does the term 'gyre' refer to?

• A weather phenomenon

• A type of fish

• A giant pattern of moving water that spans whole oceans

• A small whirlpool

What is the first step to access the Amplifi Science simulation?

• Call technical support

• Go to your account and click on the menu

• Open a web browser

• Download an app

In the simulation, what should be selected in the temperature view?

• Low

• Medium

• High

• None

What is the purpose of clicking on a current in the simulation?

• To zoom in on the map

• To change its color

• To activate a tracking system

• To stop the simulation

How long should you spend exploring the simulation?

• 5 minutes

• 20 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 15 minutes

What should you do after observing the currents in the simulation?

• Close the simulation

• Email your teacher

• Write a report

• Draw the path of the currents

Where should you draw a star on the image?

• At the start of the current

• At the end of the current

• Where the current had the most energy

• In the middle of the current

What affects the temperature of the ocean near Christchurch?

• The amount of sunlight

• The ocean currents

• The type of fish

• The depth of the ocean

What will be explored in the next lesson?

• The history of ocean exploration

• The types of ocean fish

• The formation of ocean waves

• The impact of El Nino on air temperature