Show how surface currents form gyres and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch!
Surface currents in our oceans are created by the wind blowing across the sea. This drags the top layer of water into a current such as the Gulf Stream.
When these currents meet they can form massive rotating water systems called gyres. Gyres capture and transport our plastic waste forming huge expanses of waste in the sea, such as in the Pacific Ocean, creating a huge environmental challenge.
Currents don't simply move in the same direction as the wind, but at an angle due to something called Ekman Transport which is explained in this model.
Show your class how surface currents form, how gyres form, why the Great Pacific Garbage Patch appeared and why Ekman Transport happens.
Buy once, print forever!
First, your students build their models out of the colourful parts. Then, they use their model to look at the surface currents of the world.
Includes full colour Powerpoint class presentation!
Takes about 30 minutes!
Dimensions of largest model: 23cm x 14cm / 9in x 5.5in
Download includes: instructions, model templates and Powerpoint presentation.
All you need: paper, scissors and tape.
