Lesson 2: Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation

1. What causes air and water to flow?

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MS-ESS2-6

Analyzing diagrams and models of wind and ocean currents
Explaining cause-and-effect relationships between solar heating and global circulation
Using evidence to support explanations of energy transfer in air and water systems
Applying academic science vocabulary in context
Predicting weather or climate patterns based on circulation models

Students explore how the uneven heating of Earth by the Sun drives patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation. They investigate how winds and ocean currents move energy and water around the planet.
To help students understand how energy from the Sun drives global circulation systems that affect climate, weather patterns, and the distribution of water.
DOK 2–3 (Skills & Concepts / Strategic Thinking)

Observing wind patterns and weather in local neighborhoods
Connecting ocean currents to local water temperatures, fisheries, or food sources
Relating atmospheric circulation to local storms, rainfall, or heat patterns
Discussing how circulation affects communities in urban heat islands or coastal areas
Exploring how circulation influences transportation, recreation, or daily life

Winds and ocean currents are random rather than driven by solar energy
Land and water heat at the same rate everywhere
Weather and climate are unaffected by circulation patterns
Circulation patterns are the same at all latitudes
Ocean currents do not interact with atmospheric systems

Use diagrams, animations, and globe-based models of circulation
Provide sentence stems for explaining energy flow and circulation patterns
Pair or group students for model-building and discussion
Highlight and chunk key vocabulary (convection, current, wind, energy transfer, global circulation)
Use graphic organizers to trace energy movement in air and water systems
Connect content to local weather, seasonal changes, and community experiences

Formative Assessment

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