Ocean Currents Detective Lab: The Hidden Ocean Conveyor

Bring the science of ocean currents into your classroom! Why does some ocean water sink while other water rises? In Ocean Currents Detective Lab: The Hidden Ocean Conveyor, students investigate two factors that help drive deep ocean circulation: temperature and salinity.

This hands-on resource guides middle school students through two controlled investigations. Students observe water movement, record results, combine class data, and create grouped bar graphs. They then connect their evidence to water density, ocean currents, and climate.

The learning continues beyond the experiment. Students analyze patterns, consider the limitations of their model, and write a claim-evidence-reasoning explanation.

Your download includes:

• An 11-page student lab packet

• A teacher preparation guide

• Two investigations with step-by-step directions

• Data tables and graphing grids

• Analysis and climate-connection questions

• A CER writing task

• A teacher answer key and 100-point scoring guidance

Designed for grades 6–8, especially seventh and eighth grade. Plan for approximately two to three 50-minute class periods.

This resource supports the density-driven ocean circulation concepts within NGSS MS-ESS2-6 and fits naturally into an oceans and climate unit.

Format: Printable PDF.

Teacher preparation and separate lab supplies are required.

Add hands-on investigation, graphing, and scientific reasoning to your next ocean currents lesson with Mile High Science!