6th Grade Earth Science Lesson
Why Do Hurricanes Curve? Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
Shared by A STEM Educator
6th GradeClaim-Evidence-ReasoningMS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS2-645 min
Learning Objective
Students will construct written arguments using the CER framework to explain how density-driven ocean currents and pressure-driven wind belts interact to control hurricane paths and global shipping navigation.
Lesson Overview
Students investigate how unequal solar heating drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation, then apply that understanding to explain hurricane trajectories and global shipping routes using the CER framework.
Materials
- Blank world map templates (one per student)
- Colored pencils (blue, red, yellow, green)
- Two clear plastic tanks or large beakers
- Hot water and ice water
- Blue and red food coloring
- Dropper bottles
- Printed Atlantic hurricane track data cards (Hurricanes Irma 2017, Maria 2017, Dorian 2019)
- Sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly maps (printed, color)
- Atlantic pressure anomaly maps (printed, color)
- CER writing frame handout
- Rulers
- Sticky notes
Scaffolded Task Progression
1Task 1
Look at the convection diagram below showing Earth's atmosphere between the equator and 30°N latitude.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
Based on this diagram, make a claim: In what direction does surface wind blow between 30°N and the equator — toward the equator or away from it? Write one sentence claim and identify one piece of diagram evidence that supports it.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
Based on this diagram, make a claim: In what direction does surface wind blow between 30°N and the equator — toward the equator or away from it? Write one sentence claim and identify one piece of diagram evidence that supports it.
2Task 2
A cargo ship captain in 1650 recorded in her log: 'We sail from Spain toward the Caribbean — the winds push us steadily from the northeast, and we make excellent time. On our return, we sail north first, then catch westerly winds home.'
Make a claim: What pattern in global winds is the captain describing? Use the terms 'trade winds' and 'westerlies' in your claim sentence.
Make a claim: What pattern in global winds is the captain describing? Use the terms 'trade winds' and 'westerlies' in your claim sentence.
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