Through this experiment, which is simple to execute, the formation of ocean currents (oceanic circulation) and winds (atmospheric circulation) can be clearly demonstrated. The proposal involves an investigative activity where students formulate hypotheses and conduct the experiment before receiving an explanation about the phenomenon. This approach allows students to take on the role of protagonists in the learning process, fostering curiosity about the explanations for the observed phenomenon. The proposal includes a video demonstrating the experiment, which can be presented in segments as students complete their reports (available below). This activity is suitable for all levels of education, and explanations can be adapted according to the skills taught, ranging from the early years of elementary school to high school.
Authors:
Flavia Sant'Anna Rios, Lúcia Sanguino Canteri, Sandra Freiberger Affonso, Vinícius da Luz Redígolo.
Participants
Variable
Goal
Demonstrate how oceanic and atmospheric circulations occur due to the variation in density promoted by the temperature difference.
Materials
1 medium or large transparent container, similar to an aquarium
2 small containers of the same height that can be used as support for the larger container
Room temperature water (to fill larger container)
Hot water (to fill one of the smaller containers)
Ice (fill with water and freeze in one of the smaller containers)
Liquid dye (if it is powder, it will be necessary to dissolve it)
Printed practical class report (1 for each student or group)
Support materials
