KS2 GEOGRAPHY
Curriculum link: Human and Physical
Geography
OCEAN CURRENTS LESSON PLAN
Introduce students to the idea that ocean currents bring nutrient rich water to the Galapagos Islands
and help to sustain the islands’ rich biodiversity
Resources required: Global Ocean Currents map, Galapagos Ocean Currents map, and internet connection
1. FIRE STARTER
Students study the Global Ocean Currents map. They
should consider how the cold currents moving up the
coast of Peru to the Galapagos Islands will affect the
climate of the Islands (making it cooler at some times of
the year – see the section on ‘Seasons in Galapagos’) .
Students should also consider how the Gulf Stream
affects the climate of Britain (making it warmer in winter).
2. GAINING GROUND
Students look at the Galapagos Ocean Currents map and
note the three different types of currents and conditions
that cause upwelling that occur around the Galapagos
(note: the Peruvian coastal current is also known as the
Humboldt Current). As extension work they could write an
explanation of the three different types.
Students should write a simple explanation of how the
Humboldt Current enriches the seas around Galapagos by
bringing up nutrients from deep in the ocean.
Students should explain how the Humboldt Current allows
these penguins to live on the islands all year round.
3. MAKING WAVES
Students should explain how important the nutrients brought
by the upwelling caused by the Humboldt Current are to the
productivity of the oceans around Galapagos. They should
refer back to section Ecology and Habitats 2/5 on Food
Chains and webs
http://www.discoveringgalapagos.org.uk/discover/life-onthe-islands/ecology-and-habitats/food-chains-and-webs/
and describe how the nutrients allow for an abundance of
primary producers and the significance of this.
4. FUTURE FOCUS
Students should consider the importance of the productivity
of the seas around Galapagos. They should consider for
example the importance for the variety of species living in the
oceans, livelihoods of people through fishing and tourism and
how these are linked.
A RESOURCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION TRUST (REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1043470) AND THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (with IBG)
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
 To understand that the world’s ocean
are dynamic systems
 To understand that there are surface
and deep flows of warm and cold
water around the globe.
STUDENTS’ OUTCOMES
 To appreciate the significance of these
flows to the Galapagos Islands
 To identify how plants and animals in
the ocean and on land have adapted to
their environment.