Science - Earth Science
Standard 4 Objective 3
1 class periods of 60 minutes each
Small Groups
Students model formation of an El Nino current in a pie pan.
Students should know that El Nino is the name given to a certain combination of weather events that occur in a cyclic pattern. The interaction between prevailing winds and ocean water creates the effect. Students need to be aware that the coldest ocean water is most dense and stays at the bottom of the sea. It contains the most nutrients for living things. Living things need light and must live at the oceans surface. Typically, the prevailing winds blow surface water away from the coast and draw up colder nutrient rich water from the bottom. Schools of fish are attracted to the plankton that quickly grows there. During an El Nino year, the winds die or blow erratically and the water is not drawn up. Fish populations go down and weather patterns change as the pool of warmer water sits by the coast.
Scoring Guide:
1. Students set up and perform experiment………………..4
2. Students collect and record data………………………….4
3. Students correctly answer analysis questions…………4
Answers:
Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff