What causes ocean currents? How do they affect the Earth's environment? How have they affected the course of human history? Students gain fascinating insights into our world through these innovative hands-on activities. Students explore how wind, temperature, salinity, and density set water into motion. They go on to learn how the ocean makes our climate habitable, provides oxygen and food, and transports nutrients, people and pollution around the globe. Learning is put in a real-world context as students study accounts of shipwrecked sailors, a Nike shoe spill, and the voyage of the Kon Tiki.