SEEd Oceanic Patterns
Assessment
This assessment was adapted from a Utah Science Core Guides assessment exemplar. Standard: 6.3.3 Develop and use a model to show how unequal heating of the Earth's systems causes patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. Emphasize how warm water and air move from the equator toward the poles. Examples of models could include Utah regional weather patterns such as lake-effect snow and wintertime temperature inversions. (ESS2.C, ESS2.D) Phenomenon In 1992, a container full of thousands of rubber toys fell off a transport ship in the Pacific Ocean between Hong Kong and the west coast of the United States. Over the years, rubber toys have washed ashore on multiple continents. Proficient Student Explanation of Phenomenon: The movement of the ocean in its predicted patterns caused the rubber toys to wash ashore at specific locations around the globe. These oceanic patterns are driven by heat at the equator moving as it cools creating a system of movement. Resources Original SEEd Assessment Exemplar 6.3.3
In 1992, a container full of thousands of rubber toys fell off a transport ship in the Pacific Ocean between Hong Kong and the west coast of the United States. Over the years, rubber toys have washed ashore on multiple continents.
Topics and standards: Ocean, Earth Science, Atmosphere, ESS2.C, ESS2.D, Developing & Using Models, Patterns, Systems & System Models, Grades 6-8, 3D Science Tasks, Water Air & Ice, 6.3.3, Hosted Utah SEEd, 6-ESS2-1, 6-ESS2-2, 6-ESS2-3, Assessment