Science Concepts—Thermal Expansion

Summary: As the ocean's temperature increases, its volume expands. In this topic guide, students use a model to demonstrate the relationship between water temperature and volume, and then use their findings to describe the impact a warming ocean has on sea level.

Concepts to teach:

• Crosscutting Concepts
  • Structure and Function
    
• Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • ESS2.C - The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
    
• Science Practices
  • Developing and using models, Planning and carrying out investigations

Goals:

1. Heated water has more volume than cooler water due to a process called thermal expansion.
2. Thermal expansion is the primary cause of climate induced sea level rise.
3. A model can demonstrate a scientific concept.

Standards: NGSS Performance Expectations

• HS-ESS2-5. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Specific Objectives:
Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate that heated water has more volume than cooler water due to a process called thermal expansion
2. Explain how sea level rise results in part from thermal expansion.
3. Use a model to demonstrate a scientific concept.

Activity Links and Resources:

• COSEE's Thermal Expansion and Sea Level Rise—In this experiment, students measure the relationship between water volume and water temperature. This activity can be performed as a demonstration, or at the high school level, in student groups.
• EPA's Sea Level: On the Rise, part I—Another lesson using the same activity.

Assessment:

• What evidence exists to indicate that sea level is rising?
• Why is measured and predicted sea level rise less dramatic on the Oregon coast compared to many other places on the globe?
• How might a large earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone impact sea level on the Oregon coast?