Science Field
Educational package on oceanography focusing on the oceanic conveyor belt, the constantly moving system of deep-sea circulation, fundamental for the Earth’s thermal balance and for the distribution of nutrients and carbon-rich water from the poles to the tropics
Trieste | Started on 01/10/2021 – Concluded on 01/10/2022
The Science Field project, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and developed by the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS , aims to provide didactic materials that not only serve to convey information, but can also arouse curiosity and foster a passion for learning. The project developed a multimedia educational package for effective science teaching that is based on traditional teaching, i.e. imparting knowledge and reviewing what has been learned, but also includes elements of innovative teaching and game-based learning.
The educational package consists of an animated film and a video game on oceanography, focusing on the oceanic conveyor belt, the constantly moving system of deep-sea circulation fundamental for the Earth’s thermal balance and for the distribution of nutrients and carbon-rich water from the poles to the tropics. The cartoon explains the process of formation of this current, which is driven by winds, temperature and salinity, while the video game is a replay that students can work on after watching the cartoon. The project aims to highlight the importance of the conveyor belt, which is a powerful but easily disrupted process that can be affected by climate change. The effects of global warming on the oceanic conveyor belt are twofold. Warmer water has a lower density, and freshwater runoff from ice melt reduces salinity, which further reduces density. These factors slow down the sinking mechanism that drives the circulation.
More info & Social Media
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PkMSk3RbpDRQ8CWfBPEX09YHGYhLso8F/view?usp=sharing
Editor’s Note: All information published as submitted by the author(s). Minor edits may have been made to increase readability and understanding.
