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. 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

Per Student:

• Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map Datasheet

Per Student/Small Group:

• Computer or Tablet
• Internet Access

Directions

1.  Using an internet accessible device, students open the link to the Sea Ice and the Earth System Story Map Lesson: https://nasa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2adb302f548945d08f9aed5e41352255
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.

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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