Ocean Currents and Climate

What You'll Learn

Ocean currents distribute heat around the planet, affecting climate worldwide. Warm currents flow from the equator toward the poles, and cold currents flow from the poles toward the equator.

Key Words

metamorphic
sedimentary
fossil

Materials Needed

cotton balls
food coloring
clear container
rocks

Safety First

Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.
Wash hands after handling materials.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about Weathering and Erosion and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Investigate soil layers: fill a jar with soil and water, shake it, and let it settle overnight. Identify the layers of clay, silt, sand, and organic matter.

Step 3 — Observe

Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.

Step 4 — Record

Create a data table to organize your measurements.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What causes wind?