NOAA Ocean Odyssey: Cycles in the Ocean

National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

In this activity, students connect art and science by creating a drawing and conceptual model of the thermohaline circulation. Students get to create drawings to understand how water moves in the ocean and the impacts of that movement.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Include information to help students find pathways to action in response to the possible tragedy of ocean currents slowing or stopping. The "What is current" video is somewhat helpful but teachers may want to find other media resources that will help students understand ocean currents and climate impacts.
The main focus of this lesson is understanding thermohaline currents by having students copy a scientific drawing and reading a short article. There are some concepts that may need to be explained throughout the lesson, but the drawing is accurate and scientifically sound. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
The lesson focuses on guiding students through a scientific drawing followed by a reading and discussion. However, it doesn't discuss what a scientific drawing is or how it differs from other drawings. There are also terms and ideas that teachers may need to explain. In addition, the lesson leads students to consider what would happen if ocean currents slowed or stopped. Thinking through this idea may be disturbing for students and working through the possibility of this happening, the impacts, and how to prevent it may help students cope with this information. The teacher guide includes suggestions for summarizing the article and a group share, allowing students to engage in discussion. There is a chance to use claim-evidence-reasoning and be able to incorporate art into science.