Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map

Overview

Using various visualizations (i.e., images, charts, and graphs), students will explore changes in sea ice extent as it relates to other spheres within the Earth System. Students will document their understanding of changing sea ice as it relates to the other spheres of the Earth System using an iterative concept map. This story map is intended to be used with students who have access to a computing device in a 1:1 or 1:2 setting.

Materials Required

Resources Needed Per Student:

• Student Data Sheet
• Computer/Tablet
• Internet Access
• Link to Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map

Directions

1.  Using an internet accessible device, students open the link to the Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map Lesson to begin their exploration of this phenomenon.
2. Distribute the Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map Student Sheet. Have students navigate on their own through the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate tabs of the story map to answer the questions and complete the activities on their student sheet.

Teacher Note

Sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. This floating ice has a profound influence on the polar environment, influencing ocean circulation, weather, and regional climate. Sea ice is constantly changing with periods of growth and melting throughout the year. The amount of sea ice in the Arctic increases during the winter months, usually starting in September, and decreases during the summer months, usually starting in March.

To learn more, visit: 

• The Snow and Ice Extent Phenomena page for background information

Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we’ve had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.

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