Classroom/Laboratory Activity: The Coriolis Effect

A hands-on classroom/laboratory activity to learn about the Coriolis Effect

In this activity, students use a simple paper-based model to understand how the Coriolis Effect influences the direction of winds, currents, and other objects in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Use this tool to help students find answers to:

  1. What is the Coriolis Effect?
  2. How does the Coriolis Effect affect the direction of motion in the Northern Hemisphere?
  3. How does the Coriolis Effect affect the direction of motion in the Southern Hemisphere?

 

About the Tool

Tool Name Coriolis Effect Activity
Discipline Physics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline Coriolis Force, Coriolis Effect
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere, Climate and the Hydrosphere
Type of Tool Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade Level High school, Undergraduate
Location Global
Language English
Translation
Developed by Laura Reiser Wetzel, Eckerd College
Hosted at Teach The Earth Portal at SERC Carleton
Link https://serc.carleton.edu/teachearth/activities/181248.html
Access Online
Computer Skills Basic
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