What's Happening at the Poles?

• In this 60-minute experiment, students visualize the difference in sea level rise between icebergs that melt in the ocean and glaciers that melt on land and end up in the ocean.

Positives

• The student handout contains a clear scientific explanation of the whole phenomenon of sea level rise.
• This experiment promotes critical thinking and observation skills.

Additional Prerequisites

• The teacher must download and review the teacher's guide and student handout.
• The linked resources under the "Sources" section can provide additional context for teachers.
• The teacher must prepare the materials needed for this activity which include play dough, clear containers, ice cubes, water, and markers or colored tape.
• Students must be familiar with glaciation, weather, and climate.

Differentiation

• For students who may need additional support, teachers can guide the students in each step of this experiment.
• As an extension, students could write a 3-point written conclusion after this experiment.
• During science class, the teacher could ask students to select all the keywords from their worksheets and write them on a concept card.
• Other recommended resources include Climate Change Data, Thermal Expansion of Water, and Changing Planet: Rising Sea Level.

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