Faces of Climate Change: Life on the Ice
http://vimeo.com/19583516Darcy Dugan, Alaska Sea Grant Program, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, COSEE Alaska, and the Alaska Ocean Observing System
This video is the second of three short videos showcasing the dramatic changes in Alaska's marine ecosystems. The video highlights the marine mammals and birds and how they depend on Arctic sea ice, as well as questions about how these animals will cope in the face of climate change.
Video length: 7:33 min.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»
Middle School
Disciplinary Core Ideas: 3
MS-ESS3.C1: Human activities have significantly altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging or destroying natural habitats and causing the extinction of other species. But changes to Earth’s environments can have different impacts (negative and positive) for different living things.
MS-ESS3.D1: Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.
MS-LS4.D1: Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling.
High School
Disciplinary Core Ideas: 3
HS-ESS3.C1: The sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources.
HS-ESS3.D1: Though the magnitudes of human impacts are greater than they have ever been, so too are human abilities to model, predict, and manage current and future impacts.
HS-LS4.D1: Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.
Grade Level
Regional Focus
Climate Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Use in Biology, Earth Science, and Environment courses when discussing the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and its ecosystems.
- This video is best used in conjunction with related videos: 1) Faces of Climate - Introduction http://vimeo.com/19581877 and
2) Faces of Climate – Disappearing Ice http://vimeo.com/19583956.
About the Content
- This video describes the importance of pack ice to Spectacled Eiders, Walruses, and Ringed Seal.
- Good, clear examples of the impact of increasing temperatures on different animal species.
- Comments from expert scientist: It portrays a critical habitat, its life cycle, and organisms. Includes information and content about the working scientists and the future effects of climate change.
About the Pedagogy
- This video would be a good introduction to the ecological consequences of climate change and the relationship of the Inuit people to that ecology.
- This is the second of three videos that could be used together to teach about the changes in the Arctic: http://vimeo.com/tag:facesofclimatechange
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- Excellent-quality video and good-quality audio.
- Easy to use.
- May be embedded.
See how this Video supports the Next Generation Science Standards»
