Convection

Convection
This lesson has three distinct sections.
 * Table of Contents – Earth Layers, Density, and Convection **


 * A. ** **  Content Goals  **
 * Earth Layers **
 * Information about the inside of the earth comes from seismic waves and our knowledge of the properties of materials (student internet investigation).
 * The layers of the earth and their temperatures (lecture or student internet investigation).
 * Density **
 * Temperatures influence density for most materials.
 * Density differences can cause floating (or rising) and sinking.
 * “Heat rises and cold sinks” is not a completely accurate scientific statement.
 * Convection **
 * Convection is a process of heat transfer driven by density differences that occur with differential heating and cooling (stability and change).
 * Convection currents in the mantle drive plate tectonics, according to current understandings (cause and effect).

__ __ – detailed notes about the content of each slide in the PPT
 * B. ** ** Teacher Resources **
 * 1) __ [[file:Lesson Plan Convection.docx|Lesson Plan]] __ – comprehensive lesson plan for Earth Layers, Density, Convection; includes NGSS connections
 * 2) __ [[file:Building the Mystery Box.docx|Building the Mystery Box]] __** – ** for Earth Layers, whole class demo
 * 3) __ [[file:Earth layers post-demo discussion.docx|Earth Layers Post-Demo Discussion]] __ – questions for leading the discussion
 * 4) __ [[file:Info on Earth Temps.docx|Info on Earth’s Temps]] __ – teacher information sheet to advise discussion after student investigation
 * 5) __ [[file:Density Demos and Discussion.docx|Density Demos and Discussion]] __ – a compilation of the same material that is in the lesson plans
 * 6) __ [[file:Post-Lab Discussion Guide.docx|Post-Lab Discussion Guide]] __ – after convection lab and activities
 * 7) __ [[file:PPT Convection in the Mantle.pptx|Power Point – Convection in the Mantle]] __ – covers density and convection with examples


 * C. ** ** Student Handouts and Keys **
 * 1) __ [[file:Handout - Guided Notes 1 and 2.docx|Guided Notes 1 and 2]] __ – earth layers and convection, with websites where students can find the information - __ [[file:KEY - Guided Notes 1 and 2.docx|Key to guided notes]] __
 * 2) __ [[file:Handout Balloon Density Lab.docx|Balloon Density Lab]] __ – students measure the diameter changes of a cold balloon as it warms
 * 3) __ [[file:Handout Convection Currents Lab.docx|Convection Currents Lab]] __ – students observe convection with dyes and water and demonstrate their understanding by producing a diagram showing why tectonic plates move.
 * 4) __ [[file:PrePost Test.docx|Pre/Post Test]] __
 * 5) __ [[file:KEY - PrePost Test.docx|Key to pre/post test]] __


 * D. Other Student Skills Developed in the Lessons **
 * Determine cause and effect relationships.
 * Calculate density given mass and volume.
 * Conduct an internet investigation to find out how scientists seek for and find answers.
 * Explain how models help us illustrate relationships that we cannot measure directly.
 * Analyze data to make scientific claims.
 * Communicate results.