Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can describe the effect of melting ice caps and glaciers on sea level.
Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can describe the effect of melting ice caps and glaciers on sea level.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Ice caps and glaciers are found in the coldest parts of the world, and mostly at the North and South Poles.
- Ice caps and glaciers are melting as the world has warmed up a lot in the last 50 years.
- Ice caps and glaciers play important roles in regulating Earth’s sea levels and temperature.
- When ice caps and glaciers melt, sea levels rise.
Common misconception
Children may not have heard of glaciers and may think that the only year-round ice is at the poles. Melting ice caps and glaciers do not affect sea level.
Teaching slides introduce ice caps and glaciers and note that they are found all over the world. The effect of melting ice caps and glaciers on sea level is explained and children have a chance to model it.
Keywords
Ice cap - An ice cap is a thick layer of ice that permanently covers an area of land.
Glacier - A glacier is a slow moving river of ice that covers an area of land.
Melting - Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.
Sea level - Sea level is the position on land that sea reaches.
Equipment
Small dishes, modelling clay, water, ice cubes.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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