Weekly Blog 3/21 - 3/27 - Ocean Currents

Image Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Ocean_surface_currents.jpg

Summary: 

     The ocean has many key elements to it that make it function, such as precipitation and salt, which makes waves and ocean currents work. The ocean contains salt since its waves kept splashing and weathering rocks for millions of years, turning them into salt. Salt plays a major role in Ocean Currents because it helps Ocean Currents function. When precipitation (rain, snow, hail, etc.) falls onto the ocean, it gives the ocean new, fresh water. The saltwater is heavier than the freshwater that fell into the ocean, pushing it downwards. This process repeats, giving the ocean movement, creating ocean currents. Waves come from Ocean Currents, or other events, such as natural disasters (meteor, volcano, earthquake, etc.).

SP8: Obtain, Evaluate, and Communicate Information:

     This week, I obtained data in the Humans Vs. Earth poster by reading provided information about both Humans and Earth, finding similarities and differences in the process. For example, the majority of a Human and Earth is made up of water. I then shared the similarities and differences I found with my table mates, and helping them create the poster. I also gathered data on an Ocean Current Worksheet that required a globe to do. The first question asked for me and my partner to draw the longest line on land without backtracking, then count how many latitude and longitude I crossed. I gathered this data by discussing which route was the farthest on land with my partner without backtracking. We eventually agreed on one route and wrote down our answers. I did the same thing for the second question, which asked me and my partner to do the same thing as before, except with the ocean. This week, I evaluated my data by discussing it with my table mates and agreeing on one thing for each question. I communicated my findings to my table mates and my partner whenever I found data.

XCC: System and System Models:

     In class, I found that there was a system in the ocean. There are three parts to this system: The ocean, what makes the ocean work, and other systems (inhabitants of water). The ocean is just a blank canvas. Without the ocean, this system wouldn't exist. The things that make the ocean work is salt, and precipitation. Salt and precipitation create ocean currents, as I said before. Those ocean currents provide transportation, food, and oxygen to other sea creatures (affecting other systems(sea creatures)). This system is the opposite of another system, which was the Environment and the Human system in the Gray Area. The Environment and Human System did not work well in the Gray Area, unlike the Ocean System. The Humans were causing problems to the environment and themselves, making the system not work out well. 

Conclusion and Multiplier: 

     This week, I learned about Ocean Currents, what creates ocean currents, and what is affected by ocean currents. Also, this week, I was a wanderer. This is because I tried to search for information that would help me complete my work.