Oceans 4: Climate, Ocean Density, Circulation

This module explores density across solids, liquids and gases. It then examines global Ocean circulation, patterns and changes caused by climate change. It relates these changes to density, building on the scientific knowledge of this to explain increasing salinity and temperature. Learners are asked to analyse visualisations of this data, looking at globally mapped salinity, temperature and density.

This module is the fourth and final module in the Oceans series, which follow on and build upon this knowledge to give learners a comprehensive understanding and ability to think creatively, scientifically and critically about studying the Oceans. You can also find the collective Oceans module , with all the modules in one place, on our author dashboard.

Learning outcomes:

SCN 3-01a: I can sample and identify living things from different habitats to compare their biodiversity and can suggest reasons for their distribution.
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
SCN 3-19a: Through experimentation, I can identify indicators of chemical reactions having occurred. I can describe ways of controlling the rate of reactions and can relate my findings to the world around me.
SCN 4-08b: Through experimentation, I can explain floating and sinking in terms of the relative densities of different materials.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact.

This resource created by Penny Clarke, and adapted by Molly Wickett, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.