Grade 6 · Social Studies · Lesson 14

Oceans, currents, and climate

Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth\'s surface. They are not still pools of water — they are constantly moving, shifting huge amounts of heat from the warm tropics toward the cold poles. This great circulation of seawater shapes the climate of every continent. Without it, much of the world would be a far less liveable place.

What this lesson teaches

1Name the five oceans and locate each on a world map
2Explain how ocean currents carry heat around the planet
3Describe how the Gulf Stream warms western Europe
4Explain what El Niño is and why it affects weather around the world

🔒 Member-only content

Unlock the full lesson

Subscribe to access the complete mini-lesson, guided practice, interactive exercises, and printable PDF for this lesson — plus all 1,680 lessons across grades 1–6.

See membership plans Try a free lesson first

The first lesson of every subject is free — no account required.