This fun and creative lesson plan teaches students how researchers use oceanographic instruments called drifters to study ocean currents and then has them design and build a drifter of their own. The lesson typically spans five class periods (three for building, one for presentation, and one for testing). The lesson plan includes background information, a complete materials list, and a grading rubric.
“Go with the Flow: Designing Ocean Drifters” originally appeared in the Deep-C Multidisciplinary High School Curriculum and has been updated with the design process used to create the CARTHE Drifter.
A free downloadable copy of Go with the Flow: Designing Ocean Drifters is available here.
Visit the CARTHE website to learn more about their research.