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Currents in a Bottle

Activity

Adapting to Underwater Life

Recreate ocean currents! Fill a clear jar halfway with cold water and add one color of food coloring. In a separate container, mix warm water with a different color and a tablespoon of salt. Slowly pour the warm saltwater down the side of the jar. Watch how the denser salt water sinks below the fresh water, creating layered currents. Gently tilt the jar to see the layers mix and swirl.

Science Seed

Ocean currents are like giant rivers of water moving through the ocean. They play a big role in regulating Earth’s climate, transporting warm water from the equator to colder regions and cold water from the poles to warmer areas. Currents are influenced by wind, the Earth’s rotation, and differences in water temperature. When warm water heats up, it becomes lighter and rises, while cold water sinks because it is denser. This movement helps create currents that flow through the oceans, moving nutrients, marine life, and heat. By experimenting with temperature differences in your bottle, you can observe how warmer and cooler water behave differently. These movements are similar to how ocean currents help distribute heat and nutrients throughout the world’s oceans, affecting climate and marine life.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Anywhere PEEP

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.