If the Greenland ice sheet melted, sea levels would rise by about 20 ft; if the Antarctic ice sheet melted, sea levels would rise by 200 ft. Scholars explore ice melting through the analysis of different ice samples, clean and dirty ice. Participants then explore how albedo effects the rate of ice melting and explain the effects on climate change. 

Concepts

albedo, ice, reflections, sunlight, antarctica

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Great activity to include in a unit on climate change

Classroom Considerations

• Activity assumes learners understand albedo effect
• Activity is written for middle school or lower level high school grades

Pros

• Link in resources to photos works well and photos are clear
• Activity includes student data sheets

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3