ConcepTest: Deflected Ocean Currents
This material was originally created for
Starting Point:Introductory Geology and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
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Question:
How would the deflection of ocean currents be altered in the Northern Hemisphere if Earth's rotation changed direction from west to east to east to west? Ocean current directions would _________________ and currents would be deflected to the _____________________.
a. switch direction; left of their courseb. stay the same; left of their course
c. switch direction; right of their course
d. stay the same; right of their course
Student Responses:
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).
References and Notes:
The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.
McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.
McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.