Students measure the albedo and surface temperature of various ice surfaces and changing processes as the ice melts over time. Students apply what they’ve learned in the experiment to the understanding of albedo, and the role albedo plays in the Earth’s energy budget.
This jigsaw activity is designed for students to become familiar with several datasets of Arctic weather data, collected in Eureka on Ellesmere Island. Students join a role-playing activity to read and interpret graphs while considering the optimal time to plan a research mission to the Arctic.
Students dig into authentic Arctic climate data to unravel some causes and effects related to the seasonal melting of the snowpack. In particular, students learn about albedo and its relationship to snowmelt. This concept applied to global climate change on a large scale as well, and students go on to learn about the role of albedo as a self-reinforcing feedback mechanism.
This activity introduces students to the Arctic, including different definitions of the Arctic and exploration of the Arctic environment and Arctic people. Students set out on a virtual exploration of the geography of the Arctic using Google Earth. Students go on to learn about meteorological parameters that are measured by Arctic research teams and practice the measurements in hands-on activities.
Students simulate a sampling of Arctic marine biology communities to learn about the limitations of biologic sampling techniques and marine biodiversity in the Arctic Ocean.
Students will build off of an introductory presentation on climate change in the Arctic to devise a strategy to manage climate change impacts on a global scale (the Arctic). After a brief synopsis on current issues and management approaches in the Arctic, students will use information based on the stakeholders and interests they've identified in readings done before class, to pinpoint areas of high interest, negotiate conflicts, and develop a sustainable, multi-stakeholder management plan for high priority areas. The net effect on students will be to: (1) understand the complex web of stakeholder interests and scientific issues (2) learn how to devise a strategic plan for a global issue and an area of significant socio-economic, political, and environmental importance.
Students learn how models are constructed and how they work using a gameboard activity to represent the layers of Earth’s atmosphere and the greenhouse effect.
The EcoChains Arctic Life game accurately models the effects of climate change on wildlife food-webs. The game shows how human actions such as the development of alternative energy can influence carbon pollution.
Students will identify and categorize plants and animals in the Arctic with an emphasis on which animals are endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern. Students will participate in individual species studies, presentations, and an interactive class trivia game.
Students use Google Earth to explore changing ice conditions in the Arctic, and how these changing conditions affect shipping routes, fossil fuel extraction, geopolitics, and other Arctic issues.
In this hands-on activity, students learn about ocean currents and the difference between salt and fresh water using colored ice cubes and glasses of fresh and salt water.
Students will explore the world of polar bear researchers through the PBI Bear Tracker webpage and the Bear Tracker PowerPoint. They will understand how polar bears are studied using radio collar tracking and track bears in real time. Through the inquiry process, create scientific investigable questions just like real researchers, and learn how you can take action to help polar bears.
Students will locate and distinguish the four major sea ice eco-regions in the Arctic and explore the impacts of sea ice loss over time due to climate change and the en-suing threats these changes may have on the Arctic ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Using sea ice extent and carbon dioxide data, students make predictions about future sea ice extent using simple statistics to evaluate a linear relationship. Students compare Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
Through a simple online model, students learn about the relationship between average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions while predicting temperature change over the 21st Century.
In a participatory problem-based activity students evaluate the impacts and benefits of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Using primary sources, students learn more about the tundra ecosystem and the Arctic, conservation biology, economic and political issues surrounding ANWR, and social perspectives on drilling in a pristine environment.
Students will identify, locate, outline, and map the Arctic Circle, including the countries that lie within its boundaries. Students will define the Arctic region by latitude, temperature, and tree line. Students will compare and contrast the human and environmental characteristics of the North and South Poles, the equator, and their home town.
