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Graphing the Extent of Sea Ice in the Arctic and Antarctic

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In this activity, students learn about sea ice extent in both polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic). They start out by forming a hypothesis on the variability of sea ice, testing the hypothesis by graphing real data from a recent 3-year period to learn about seasonal variations and over a 25-year period to learn about longer-term trends, and finish with a discussion of their results and predictions.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Randy Russell, Windows to the Universe

Great Ocean Conveyor Belt: Part II

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This podcast features the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt and potential impact of an increase in fresh water (from melting sea ice the Arctic) entering the North Atlantic. It includes interviews with two scientists and discusses the impact of changes in the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt on the climate in Northern Europe over the course of a century.

Material Type: Simulation

Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Role-Play Exercise

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In this role-play activity, students take the roles of various important players in the climate change policy negotiation including politicians, scientists, environmentalists, and industry representatives. Working in these roles, students must take a position, debate with others, and then vote on legislation designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Can be used in a variety of courses including writing and rhetoric, and social sciences.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: K.M. Theissen, Pedagogy in Action Collection from SERC, University of St. Thomas

Gulf Stream Heat Budget and Europe's Mild Climate: A Problem-based Learning Activity

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In this role-playing activity, learners are presented with a scenario in which they will determine whether the Gulf Stream is responsible for keeping Europe warm. They must also address the potential future of the Gulf Stream if polar ice were to continue melting. The students work in small groups to identify the issue, discuss the problem, and develop a problem statement. They are then asked what they need to know to solve the problem.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: From the On The Cutting Edge activity collection, Plymouth State University, Warren C. Tomkiewicz

How Permanent is Permafrost?

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In this activity, students use Google Earth and team up with fictional students in Chersky, Russia to investigate possible causes of thawing permafrost in Siberia and other Arctic regions. Students explore the nature of permafrost and what the effects of thawing permafrost mean both locally and globally. Next, students use a spreadsheet to explore soil temperature data from permafrost boreholes and surface air temperature datasets from in and around the Chersky region for a 50-year time span.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Earth Exploration Toolbook/TERC, et. al., Marian Grogan

How does Temperature Affect the Solubility of CO2 in Water?

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This short investigation from Carbo Europe explores how temperature affects the solubility of carbon dioxide in water.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Simulation

Authors: Carbon science researchers and secondary school teachers invite young people to learn about local and global impacts of climate change, explore scientific research on the topic and act locally to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases., CarboSchools

Impacts of Change in Glacier Ice

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This is a five-activity module that explores the evidence for and impacts of melting glacial ice, with resources from major institutions and scientists who study glaciers -- primarily in Arctic areas. The suite of activities includes both glaciers and melting ice, as well as the impact of melt water downstream. Each activity follows the 5E model of Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.

Material Type: Activity/Lab, Full Course

Author: Alaska Sea Grant

Inuit Observations of Climate Change

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This video features changes in the land, sea, and animals that are being observed by the residents of Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories, Canada â many of whom hunt, trap, and fishâbecause of their long-standing and intimate connection with their ecosystem. Scientists interview the residents and record their observations in order to deepen our understanding of climate change in the polar region. Background essay and discussion questions are included.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Author: WGBH/Boston

Investigating Climate Change Using Observed Temperature Data

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In this activity, students download historic temperature datasets and then graph and compare with different locations. As an extension, students can download and examine data sets for other sites to compare the variability of changes at different distinct locations, and it is at this stage where learning can be individualized and very meaningful.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Carla McAuliffe, Earth Exploration Toolbook, TERC

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