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Google Earth Tours of Glacier Change
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/climatechange/activities/21214.html

Mauri Pelto, SERC - On the Cutting Edge Collection

A detailed Google Earth tour of glacier change over the last 50 years is given in class as an introduction. Students are then asked to select from a group of glaciers and create their own Google Earth tour exploring key characteristics and evident changes in that glacier.

Activity takes a minimum of one class period plus some independent work time. Computer access highly recommended.

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Topics

Measurements and Observations
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Melting Ice and Permafrost
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Grade Level

High School (9-12)
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College Lower (13-14)
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College Upper (15-16)
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In a high school setting, the guided tour would ideally be shown as a demonstration by educator.

Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy

Based on evidence from tree rings, other natural records, and scientific observations made around the world, Earth’s average temperature is now warmer than it has been for at least the past 1,300 years. Average temperatures have increased markedly in the past 50 years, especially in the North Polar Region.
About Teaching Principle 4
Other materials addressing 4e
Environmental observations are the foundation for understanding the climate system. From the bottom of the ocean to the surface of the Sun, instruments on weather stations, buoys, satellites, and other platforms collect climate data. To learn about past climates, scientists use natural records, such as tree rings, ice cores, and sedimentary layers. Historical observations, such as native knowledge and personal journals, also document past climate change.
About Teaching Principle 5
Other materials addressing 5b
Climate plays an important role in the global distribution of freshwater resources. Changing precipitation patterns and temperature conditions will alter the distribution and availability of freshwater resources, reducing reliable access to water for many people and their crops. Winter snowpack and mountain glaciers that provide water for human use are declining as a result of global warming.
About Teaching Principle 7
Other materials addressing 7b

Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines

1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:C) Collecting information
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C) Collecting information.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.1 The Earth as a Physical System:A) Processes that shape the Earth
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A) Processes that shape the Earth.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.4 Environment and Society:B) Places
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B) Places.

Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Learn more about the Benchmarks

Scientific investigations usually involve the collection of relevant data, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses and explanations to make sense of the collected data.
Explore the map of concepts related to this benchmark

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • If students look at the two glacier tours on their own, they would need a worksheet or other guidance to keep them on track.
  • Educator will have to provide own assessment questions.

About the Science

  • Combines Google Earth imagery, photographs, topographic overlays and data from glaciers and landforms in a lab activity. Powerful way of using Google Earth.
  • Use of many lines of evidence to build an understanding for the effects of climate change on glaciers.
  • The Google Earth tours are loaded with quality information and present data is in several different formats.

About the Pedagogy

  • First part of the activity is passive as students watch the Google Earth tour. But the second part of the activity is active and students create their own glacier tour in Google Earth.
  • Students must already be facile Google Earth users as is stated in the activity; this activity would overwhelm new users.
  • Activity can be done independently or guided by educator.
  • The glacier tours can be used as a standalone presentation for students who are not ready to dive into Google Earth and create their own tours.
  • Activity can be done without computer lab based on link in supporting materials.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • The .kmz files create a very thorough presentation.

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