This activity illustrates how dark land surfaces, light land surfaces and water all heat at different rates. Students determine whether land or water absorbs heat more quickly and how this difference affects weather and climate. Full description.

This instructor guide provides background material for a two-part activity in which students observe convective currents in water and learn that air can behave as as a fluid. Students will understand that temperature changes can cause density changes in water, learn that the same phenomenon happens in air, and understand that temperature-driven density changes will produce currents in a fluid medium. ... Full description.

In this activity, students observe fluid motion and the formation of convection cells as a solution of soap and water is heated. This procedure can be performed as a demonstration by the teacher, or older students can conduct the experiment themselves. A list of materials, instructions, and a description of the convective process are included. Full description.

In this two-part activity, students observe the phenomenon of convection and the fact that air can behave as a fluid like water, only less dense. They should understand that convection currents are found in many places and on many scales, such as huge convection currents in the atmosphere, oceans, and even in the Earth's interior, or as smaller convection currents that can be found in a cup of hot ... Full description.

This resource explains the basic forces behind atmospheric circulation on a local scale. Topics include phenomena that help to drive circulation, such as solar heating, gravity, pressure, the coriolis effect, and friction. Two types of local circulation patterns are also discussed: mountain and valley breezes; and land and sea breezes. Photos and diagrams are provided to augment the written discussion, ... Full description.

In this activity, students create artifical convection currents using hot and cold water, food coloring, and bottles. A materials list, instructions, and a brief explanation of the convection phenomenon are included. Full description.

In this activity, students learn what happens to cool, deep water in the ocean when the warm surface water is moved away. As they demonstrate the process of upwelling, they will understand the concept that wind patterns and currents may cause cold water to rise from deeper areas. Background information, a materials list, and instructions are provided. This activity is designed to accompany the film ... Full description.

This is the home page for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The goal of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is to describe and predict changes in the Earth's environment, and conserve and wisely manage the Nation's coastal and marine resources. This page provides access to the many component organizations, educational resources, and opportunities at the National ... Full description.