Eyes in the Sky: Using Remote Sensing to Explore the Poles

Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

This lesson covers a plethora of information on glacier dynamics, including basic glaciological concepts. Students learn through slide shows, hands-on activities, and discussion groups.

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Notes from our reviewers

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There are several optional activities, however the "glacier goo" activity is very important for understanding the flow of glaciers and reviewers highly recommended educators include that activity. It is not clear how many class periods this activity takes. If all optional activities are included, it may take multiple classes. In one of the activities, the Google Earth Timelapse Imagery exercise, it is difficult to distinguish the terminus of the glacier through time. Students may need additional help identifying the terminus. Make sure to click on the "Earth Scientist" journal at the top of the home page for the version of these lessons that includes active links. The resource is listed as 6th-12th grade, but depending on the grade level, some of the scientific concepts may be too easy for students and could be skipped over. Teachers will need some background in the topics and knowledge of Google Maps to present this lesson to students.
This activity covers a comprehensive investigation on ice sheet and glacier dynamics and the relationship with climate. It covers the basics of glacier flow with an interactive activity, glacier change using satellite imagery, glacier hydrology, and climate change. The lesson(s) go into detail on various glaciological processes and connects them to larger earth system processes. Students should have some familiarity with basic physics concepts (e.g., gravity) and climate change. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
The activities in these lessons are interesting and engaging. Students learn to form scientific questions and then perform an investigation on their own, later reevaluating their hypothesis. While some of the activities include hands-on learning, some are more lecture-style. Consider what would be helpful to engage students for these lessons.