Glaciers Interactive Simulation

• In this interactive simulation, students will learn about how certain conditions such as snowfall and temperature impact glaciers. 
• The simulation is available in many languages. 
• Teachers can access activities and lessons to go with the simulation. 

Positives

• The simulation will help students understand glacier mass balances and the effects of climate change on glaciers because students can manipulate different parameters to see the effect on the glacier over time.
• Tools are provided in the animation to measure glacial thickness, glacier velocity, and glacial budget.
• The simulation is available in 35 languages. To view the simulation in another language, click on the Translations tab in the header.

Additional Prerequisites

• The activity page has labs, lessons, and activities that go with the simulation, but you must register for a free account to access them.
• The simulation is not self-explanatory. Teachers will need to practice using the tool before showing students how to use it.
• The simulation does not work on iPads or phones.
• Some Mac/OS users may have trouble running the simulation.
  

Differentiation

• The simulation has two different levels, introduction and advanced, for middle school and high school students.
• After working with the simulation, students could write a paragraph explaining what they learned about glaciers from the simulation.
• Other resources on this topic include this TED-Ed video on natural and artificial glaciers, this Vox video about an important glacier that is disappearing, and this activity on how sea level rise affects polar regions.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.