The first lesson about energy in water was about energized water molecules escaping their buddies and moving into the air. This one is about energy within the water. It will focus on convection. I hesitate to call it “waves,” because gravity toward the moon causes most ocean waves….off we go.
Scientist You Should Know
https://www.ted.com/speakers/hindou_oumarou_ibrahim
http://www.afpat.net/
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim “initiated a 3D mapping project, combining modern technology and the traditional scientific knowledge of her people. Using indigenous understanding of the local landscape, water resources and plant life, a physical model of Baibokoum, a region in the south of Chad, has been created.
This demonstrates to local authorities how well the Mbororo understand their environment, and involves them in planning for its future.” according to BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41887971
Introduction to the topic
Experiencing the Science
Okay, two of my videos suggested that we watch water boil, so that seems like a useful activity. I have a glass kettle. My mom used to have some cool amber glass pots for the stove. You can use a Pyrex bowl if you’re careful. Actually, a casserole dish might be better. Be careful.
Alright, now this guy:
Watch out for the Mr. Wizard wormhole. If you’re like me, watching a Mr. Wizard video is going to send you off on a whole journey (the way he talks to the kids is sort of interesting to watch now):
Responding (Practicing science)
Multisensory
Feeling the hot and cold mix is pretty great. I suggest sitting in a bathtub with cool-ish water while adding hotter water. Or sitting in a sun-heated baby pool while adding fresh cold water. A tinted bath bomb could make it easier to see new water mix in. Experiment with mixing and stirring with the body. I always try straightening and bending my legs to mix in new hot bathtub water.
In natural bodies of water there will be temperature variations we can feel. Try experiencing that together and see if you can think of ways to try things. Does mixing with your hand do anything? (Please do not pee in the pool for this experiment.)
Creative response
The lab notebook can be used to record observations with drawings. Painting seems like an obvious choice for this particular set of observations. Change something about the way you run the demo (thus experimenting) and then try to make the painting look like the system you’re observing.
Can we choreograph a dance with red and blue costumes?
Sculptures with mixed red and blue media might work, including pipe cleaners. I had a student sculpt a beautiful response out of pipe cleaners.
Verbal analysis and response
The last video in the information section above talks about the garbage island. That’s a great research topic. Also, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim is actively working on climate patterns in Baibokoum. How is that system impacted by ocean currents? Can learners make a verbal hypothesis to test with internet research (try using the NOAA website, NASA, or National Geographic)? Can the learner build a claim, evidence, reasoning piece?
Analytical response
What about evaluating a scientific model for its assumptions and sources of error? Is that fish tank a good representation of the ocean? Why or why not? Meteorologists use computer models, which, like Minecraft essentially set up virtual worlds and then make mathematical equations fit natural phenomena. Check out this scientific study. Can you tell how they evaluated their model?
Try this little simulator