Ocean Current Science Lab At Nassakeag

Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

Fifth graders at Nassakeag Elementary School learned about how ocean currents are formed through a hands-on science experiment. Students set up their own mini oceans using water, ice cubes and other items such as shells to simulate land.

The fifth graders explored what would happen when they melted a blue ice cube in warm water, then observed what would happen when warm, red water was added to blue, ice water. Finally, they created their own surface currents with “wind,” or by blowing air over the water. Students ultimately discovered that wind and temperature make ocean currents, and that cold water sinks while warm water rises.