Glaciers
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/glaciers
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/glaciers
PhET Team, University of Colorado at Boulder
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Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy
2f 
2fThe interconnectedness of Earth’s systems means that a significant change in any one component of the climate system can influence the equilibrium of the entire Earth system. Positive feedback loops can amplify these effects and trigger abrupt changes in the climate system. These complex interactions may result in climate change that is more rapid and on a larger scale than projected by current climate models.
Other materials addressing 2f
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.
Other materials addressing 5b
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.
Sometimes, scientists can control conditions in order to obtain evidence. When that is not possible, practical, or ethical, they try to observe as wide a range of natural occurrences as possible to discern patterns.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Sample lesson plan can be accessed here: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/contributions/view/3133
About the Science
- Scientific tools are provided in this animation to measure thickness, glacier velocity, and glacial budget.
- Simulation will help students understand glacier mass balances so that they are well prepared to discuss the effects of climate change on glaciers.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- Very easy and well-designed simulation with two different levels (introduction and advanced).
- Can be used to meet the following learning goals: Explain how environmental conditions, temperature, and precipitation impact glacial mass budget; identify where snow accumulates in a glacier, and justify why; explain how ice moves within a glacier; describe and illustrate flow within a glacier; explain or illustrate glacial dynamics.
- Supportive information, including a lesson plan, is available from the website.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- Simulation can be run online, embedded, or downloaded.
- Technically robust and well designed.
Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN
Sample lesson plan can be accessed here: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/contributions/view/3133Have you used these materials with your students? Do you have insights to share with other educators about their use? Please share with the community by adding a comment below.
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