Convection Currents

Learn about convection currents & density with this fun science worksheet!

Sort the statements as either fact or fib. FACT Hotter fluids rise above colder fluids. Less dense fluids rise above more dense fluids. Colder fluids sink below hotter fluids. Particles move faster in hot fluids. Example of convection: Hot air rising in a hot air balloon. Cool air sinks. Warm air rises. Warm air is less dense. FIB Less dense fluids sink below denser fluids. Convection happens in solids like the pavement. Particles move faster in cold fluids. Example of convection: Touching a hot spoon that was in a soup bowl. Cool air rises. Warm air sinks. Cool air is less dense. Cold air that sinks towards the Earth's surface creates LOW pressure. Match the statement on the left to the answer on the right. More dense fluids... sink Less dense fluids... rise When air is heated it becomes... less dense. When air cools it becomes... more dense. When temperature increases, density... decreases When temperature decreases, density... increases Draw a picture of a convection current occurring in the atmosphere. Be sure to label your diagram with words. You should add colors to show warm and cold air.