Module 4 • Ecology: Ocean in Motion The Current Game
Ocean currents play a vital role in regulating and moderating the earth’s climate. In this activity, your classroom will become the Pacific Ocean, and your students will become the current that circulates through the ocean.
This map shows the major ocean currents across the world.
Teacher Notes 4-1a
Materials:
a red handkerchief (or similar object) and a blue handkerchief Procedure:
1. Move desks, chairs, and so on, out of the way so that you have a clear space in which all of the class can stand in a circle.
Designate one portion of the room as north and another as south.
Note: For older students, you may choose to project this map of the world’s currents and discuss their action.
2. Choose one student to be the sun. Give this student the red handkerchief, and position him or her at the equator. Choose another person to be cold ice and snow from the North Pacific. Give this student the blue handkerchief, and place him or her in the north.
Have the rest of the class stand in a circle and hold hands. Now have them turn to the left and place their hands on the shoulders of the student directly in front of them. These students are the Pacific current!