1. What affects surface currents lab.

2. Does Topography affect surface currents?
In our reading of Great Pacific Garbage Patch we learned that the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is formed by the Earth’s wind patterns and the forces created by the rotation of the planet.
How can wind cause this circular pattern?
Is it just the wind or does the land have an effect on the current?
Does topography also change the way the current flows?

3. Topography add to glossary
The shape of the land determined by elevation, relief and landforms.
The topography of an area could refer to the surface shapes and features themselves, or a description (especially their depiction in maps).

4. What affects surface currents? p60R
During the lab draw detailed diagrams of what happens and make observations about what you saw.
Remember good scientist pay close attention to detail and leave detailed records of their work.

5. Task 1: Does wind affect the Ocean current?
Fill the container about half full of water
Sprinkle a pinch of spice into the water carefully so it is floating in the surface
Blow gently through the straw across the surface of the water from 2 different corners opposite each other. Make sure to blow across, not down on the water.
(Remember to draw and describe what you see? )

6. Task 2: Does the topography effect the Ocean Current?
Place a rock or clay landmass in the model
Repeat blowing through the straws and make observations of what happens. Make sure to blow in the same spots as before.
(Remember to draw and describe what you see? )

7. Synthesizing What Affects surface currents P. 60L
Top half of Page formulate Ideas.
Looking back at your surface currents map can you make some connections with what you just learned about currents?
Describe what factors form the South Atlantic Gyre?
What direction do you think the wind blows near the South Atlantic Gyre?

8. Synthesizing What affects surface currents P. 60L
Bottom half make a CER
What factors affect (influence) ocean surface currents?
Claim
Evidence
Reasoning