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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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.