Active learning ideas
Ocean currents are the 'great conveyor belt' of the planet, moving heat, nutrients, and gases around the globe. This topic covers surface currents driven by wind and the deep-ocean thermohaline circulation driven by differences in temperature and salinity (ACSES038, ACSES039). Students explore how these currents regulate global climate and support marine ecosystems.
Activity 01
Students use chilled salty water (dyed blue) and warm fresh water (dyed red) in a tank to observe how density differences drive deep-water circulation. They must predict which 'water mass' will sink and why.
What factors drive surface ocean currents?
Activity 02
Groups are given data sets for 'Normal,' 'El Niño,' and 'La Niña' years, including sea surface temperatures and air pressure. They must map the changes in the Pacific and predict the impact on Australian farmers.
How does thermohaline circulation work?
Activity 03
Students compare the heat capacity of water vs. air using a simple calculation. They then discuss with a partner why the ocean is often called the 'flywheel' of the climate system, absorbing over 90% of excess heat from global warming.
In what ways do oceans regulate the Earth's climate?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Ocean currents only move on the surface.
The majority of ocean movement happens in the deep ocean via the thermohaline circulation. A 'conveyor belt' model helps students see that surface and deep currents are part of a single, interconnected global system.
El Niño is a 'storm' that travels to Australia.
ENSO is a large-scale shift in atmospheric pressure and ocean temperatures across the entire Pacific Ocean. It changes the 'background' conditions for weather, making droughts or floods more likely, rather than being a single weather event. Mapping the 'Walker Circulation' helps clarify this.
Methods used in this brief
Solar Radiation and the Greenhouse Effect
Examine the Earth's energy budget and the role of solar radiation. Students will differentiate between the natural and enhanced greenhouse effect.
8 methodologies
Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
Investigate global atmospheric circulation patterns, including the Coriolis effect. Students will analyse how these patterns influence regional weather and climate.
8 methodologies