National Standards for Grade Levels 5-9
 
Examine the physical and chemical properties of seawater and learn how these properties affect ocean currents and marine environments. Students visualize convection currents while examining the effects of density, temperature, pressure, and salinity. They explore the effects of heat from the sun, precipitation, evaporation, freezing and thawing of sea ice and the inflow of fresh water from rivers.
 
Students extrapolate what they learn and research further to determine the effects of three different scenarios on the surrounding water and land environments and inhabitants:
A new dam being built on a large river that flows into a bay
Melting of the polar ice cap
A global temperature drop to 0ÆC.
 
The projects culminate with students presenting their conclusions in a panel discussion. Allow two 45 minute lab times on consecutive days plus additional time for independent research. Designed for 24 students working in groups of four. Required, but not included: refrigerator or freezer, ice, thermometers, and 18 large beakers or jars.