Explore the amazing power of glaciers with a hands-on earth science experiment! After first learning basic background information, learners go on to create their very own chunks of frozen water and gravel in order to observe first-hand the ability of ice to carve and shape the earth.

Concepts

glaciation, glaciers, erosion, weathering

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Additional Tags

glacier, erosion, glaciation, geological processes, glacial scraping, weathering, science

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Instructional Ideas

• Include this resource in an earth science lesson series on erosion
• Supplement the lesson by presenting pictures and/or videos of major geological features resulting from the action of glaciers
• Create a worksheet that asks students to record their observations from the activity and answer a series of related questions
• When simulating the action of glaciers, provide the class with different naturally occurring materials and have pupils compare the erosion of each

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson must be performed over two days to allow students' glaciers to freeze overnight

Pros

• A list of key vocabulary is included with the lesson
• Additional activities are suggested for extending learning about glaciers
• Pictures of glacial striations are provided as support with teaching about the action of glaciers

Cons

• None

Common Core

L.4.4.a L.4.6 L.5.4.a L.5.6 L.6.4.a L.6.6 L.7.4.a L.7.6 L.8.4.a L.8.6