Goals

1. Students will be able to use the Internet as a resource material.
2. Students will have a general understanding of waves, currents, and tides.
3. Students will be able to apply their knowledge on waves, currents, and tides to "navigate" a boat (using the Internet).

Resources
Danielson et al. Earth Science. Macmillian Publishing Co.: New York, 1989.

Materials
Navy internet site (found by students)
Diagram on tides

Time
1.5 hours

Procedure

1. Review waves, then handout diagram on tides. Discuss briefly what tides are and explain how the moon and sun
   effect tides.
2. Discuss what currents are and what causes them.
3. Describe the different types of currents. (see definition list)
4. Discuss the historical significance of currents.
       --Noresmen followed currents on a northerly path and Columbus used the North Equator Current to get to the New
       World. Also, one can trace sea routes of early explorers by reviewing surface currents.
5. Have students search for the Navy's web site and pick out one traveling route a boat may use by analyzing currents
   and tides.

Major Concepts

1. Science - Currents and tides information
2. Social studies - Historical implementation of currents

Assessment

1. Turn in copy of map form web site and a brief description of why he/she chose that particular route.
   Criteria for success: completion of one internet search with student's description of why they chose that particular
   one.

Extensions
1. Discuss deep water currents and their relationship to sea life. Use Peru as a starting point, focus on El Nino.

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Submitted By St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program