 |
| A composite from NASA showing how the ice is receding in the Arctic from 1979 to 2003 |
9. Extended Questions
a. What happens if the polar icecaps melt?
There are several things which may happen as a result of the polar icecaps melting, the following are the ones which I feel are the most significant.
1- Rise in ocean sea levels: This rise in sea levels will have an impact on numerous Earths systems. A significant rise in ocean sea levels will result in a depletion of shorelines and an increase in flooding in low lying area.
2 –Change in ocean currents(conveyor belt): With an influx of fresh water the salinity of the ocean may change and this would cause a shift in the deep water circulation (thermohaline circulation). As we all know ocean water is part of a very dynamic recycling system. As part of this system surface water sinks and becomes part of the deep water with some of the deep water rising to become surface water. This waters movement is a result of density and salinity. If we disturb this system (change in salinity) it could have a resulting effect on the climates of different regions.
3 –Changes in climate: Water has the ability to pick up energy from the sun, as the water travels to area with lower temperatures it releases this heat into those atmosphere. With a change in the water current pattern, there will also be a change in shift in the climate. This change in climate can affect different earth systems including (but not limited to): ecosystems, migration patterns of animal, and land masses. There may also be a change in weather patterns such as el Niño, tornadoes etc. .
4- Agricultural Change: As the climate shifts there will a direct change in the amount of usable farm land. Additionally, with the change in the climate, farmers will have to adjust their crop and planting rotations to fit the new climatic changes.
5- Migratory patterns of animals: With a change in the ocean currents there will be a shift in migratory pattern of different animals. This will means that animals which are dependent of certain species of animals will have to adjust their eating, mating, and other crucial habits.
The following is just a brief description of what may occur as we see an increase in the melting of the polar caps. I must note that what is unusual about the polar caps melting is the pace at which it is occurring, not its occurrence. History has shown that we have had this shift in previous times, but they took longer to occur thus giving Earth and its inhabitants more time to adjust.
b. What other questions do you have about this Science Inquiry Experience?
What are some ways that this experience could be differentiated?
How have the different multiple learning styles been addressed in this
lessons?
How can this lesson be adapted to include ELL students?
What reading resources could be incorporated in this
lesson?
How reproducible is this lesson for teachers who have more than 1
class?
Candace you make excellent points. Also, imagine the number of people who would have to relocate their homes and their jobs. This would also be an excellent lesson to use the STEM strategies. The lesson could be diversified by having some students do research,some could create a graph of temperature and glacial change, and some could do projections on the rise of sea level on coastal communities.
ReplyDeleteCandace, I appreciate the graphic you incorporated into your blog. Your graphic alone is a great way to adapt to ELL students. In researching this myself, I found so many interesting facts. Perhaps you could set an assignment to have students research this topic through the Internet and other science publications.
ReplyDeleteI like Cheryl's integrated suggestions, too! :)
Candace - Great post! I would try to have my students explore the idea of what would happen (written form) and then have them construct a land (coastal areas, cities, farmland, etc . . .)model that would be subject to flood to prove what might happen. I am glad that I move from Coastal Carolina (Morehead City, NC).
ReplyDelete