Lesson plan
New Ice, New Problems
The sea ice in the Arctic is becoming newer and thinner. What kinds of impacts could this have on the Arctic region? Photo credit: Jan Rohde/AWI
Lesson plan
Subject: Expeditions, mosaic monday, Obtaining and evaluating information, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
The sea ice in the Arctic is becoming newer and thinner. What kinds of impacts could this have on the Arctic region? Photo credit: Jan Rohde/AWI
Lesson plan
Subject: Expeditions, mosaic monday, Obtaining and evaluating information, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
The Writing's in the Ice
Did you know that sea ice has a life cycle? Learn more in this short (~30 minute) activity.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, mosaic monday, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: CIRES
Did you know that sea ice has a life cycle? Learn more in this short (~30 minute) activity.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, mosaic monday, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: CIRES
Tracking Ice: Arctic Sea Ice and Mathematics Curriculum
Through the course of four modules, students will estimate the accuracy of their forecast and determine if it is fit for the purpose of guiding a search and rescue mission. After building their forecasting model, students will know how to access the coordinates of buoys tracked by the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP) to make a sea ice drift forecast.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Computational thinking, Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: SMILE Oregon State
Through the course of four modules, students will estimate the accuracy of their forecast and determine if it is fit for the purpose of guiding a search and rescue mission. After building their forecasting model, students will know how to access the coordinates of buoys tracked by the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP) to make a sea ice drift forecast.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Computational thinking, Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: SMILE Oregon State
Explore the Arctic virtually Aboard the Fram
Project of Mosaic Lesson plan
Subject: Engineering and technology, Expeditions, Geography, mosaic monday
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Project of Mosaic Lesson plan
Subject: Engineering and technology, Expeditions, Geography, mosaic monday
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Learn About the Equinox
Before she left to spend several weeks in the Arctic Ocean aboard an icebreaker on the MOSAiC expedition, PolarTREC educator Katie Gavenus put together a collection of educational resources for teaching about the equinox. Whether you're a fan of kinesthetic activities, art, or video lessons, there's something here for you!
Lesson plan
Subject: Constructing explanations, Developing and using models, Earth science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School, High School
Before she left to spend several weeks in the Arctic Ocean aboard an icebreaker on the MOSAiC expedition, PolarTREC educator Katie Gavenus put together a collection of educational resources for teaching about the equinox. Whether you're a fan of kinesthetic activities, art, or video lessons, there's something here for you!
Lesson plan
Subject: Constructing explanations, Developing and using models, Earth science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School, High School
Project PARKA (Planting AntaRtica in KAnsas)
Explore this unit composed of four lessons designed to provide high school students with the background knowledge and understanding of the ocean, Antarctic science, food webs, climate change, and ocean acidification. Photo by Michael Van Woert, NOAA/NESDIA
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation
Grade Level: High School
Explore this unit composed of four lessons designed to provide high school students with the background knowledge and understanding of the ocean, Antarctic science, food webs, climate change, and ocean acidification. Photo by Michael Van Woert, NOAA/NESDIA
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation
Grade Level: High School
Keep it Cool
When you put on layers to stay warm in the winter, or use a cooler to keep food cool, have you ever wondered about the science of thermal energy transfer? Challenge your students to utilize their understanding of thermal energy transfer and transformation to develop a simple, lightweight, and efficient method for storing and transporting ice cores.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Engineering and technology, Physical science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
When you put on layers to stay warm in the winter, or use a cooler to keep food cool, have you ever wondered about the science of thermal energy transfer? Challenge your students to utilize their understanding of thermal energy transfer and transformation to develop a simple, lightweight, and efficient method for storing and transporting ice cores.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Engineering and technology, Physical science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Sea Ice Predictive Model
Using sea ice extent and carbon dioxide data, students make predictions about future sea ice extent using simple statistics to evaluate a linear relationship. Students compare Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Computational thinking, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Joceline Boucher, SERC
Using sea ice extent and carbon dioxide data, students make predictions about future sea ice extent using simple statistics to evaluate a linear relationship. Students compare Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Computational thinking, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Joceline Boucher, SERC
Create Classroom Ice Cores
Students analyze two different ice core models (made of layers of ice frozen in pringles cans) to observe changes in past climates.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Earth science, Engineering and technology, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Students analyze two different ice core models (made of layers of ice frozen in pringles cans) to observe changes in past climates.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Earth science, Engineering and technology, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Land Ice/Sea Ice: How does melting ice affect sea level?
Students use a simple model to compare sea level rise due to melting land ice versus melting sea ice.
Lesson plan
Subject: Asking questions, Constructing explanations, Developing and using models, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program
Students use a simple model to compare sea level rise due to melting land ice versus melting sea ice.
Lesson plan
Subject: Asking questions, Constructing explanations, Developing and using models, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program
Sea Ice and Heat: A Vicious Cycle
Students explore the different heat absorption of ice and open water using a simple experimental set up.
Lesson plan
Subject: Developing and using models, Earth science, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Students explore the different heat absorption of ice and open water using a simple experimental set up.
Lesson plan
Subject: Developing and using models, Earth science, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Impacts of a Warming Arctic
Using NASA data, learners evaluate evidence for decreasing ice in the Arctic and explore the impact of global climate change on the Arctic.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Atmosphere, Climate, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college, Adult
Developer: NASA
Using NASA data, learners evaluate evidence for decreasing ice in the Arctic and explore the impact of global climate change on the Arctic.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Atmosphere, Climate, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college, Adult
Developer: NASA
Arctic Ocean Exploration: Current Events
Using authentic data and two hands on activities, students explore the driving forces for ocean currents, with a focus on the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: NOAA
Using authentic data and two hands on activities, students explore the driving forces for ocean currents, with a focus on the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: NOAA
One World Ocean
In this hands-on activity, students learn about ocean currents and the difference between salt and fresh water using colored ice cubes and glasses of fresh and salt water.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Physical science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Teach Engineering
In this hands-on activity, students learn about ocean currents and the difference between salt and fresh water using colored ice cubes and glasses of fresh and salt water.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Developing and using models, Earth science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Physical science
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Teach Engineering
The Very, Very Simple Climate Model
Through a simple online model, students learn about the relationship between average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions while predicting temperature change over the 21st Century.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Developing and using models, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Through a simple online model, students learn about the relationship between average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions while predicting temperature change over the 21st Century.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Developing and using models, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Cold Cases: Who Won the Race to the North Pole - Cook or Peary?
Students use primary sources to conduct a mock trial to debate whether Cook or Peary was the first explorer to reach the North Pole.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, ELA, Expeditions, Geography, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School
Developer: Ohio State University
Students use primary sources to conduct a mock trial to debate whether Cook or Peary was the first explorer to reach the North Pole.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, ELA, Expeditions, Geography, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School
Developer: Ohio State University
To Drill or Not to Drill? A Case Study in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
In a participatory problem-based activity students evaluate the impacts and benefits of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Using primary sources, students learn more about the tundra ecosystem and the Arctic, conservation biology, economic and political issues surrounding ANWR, and social perspectives on drilling in a pristine environment.
Lesson plan
Subject: Ecosystems, ELA, Geopolitics, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Cassandra Runyon et al., SERC
In a participatory problem-based activity students evaluate the impacts and benefits of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Using primary sources, students learn more about the tundra ecosystem and the Arctic, conservation biology, economic and political issues surrounding ANWR, and social perspectives on drilling in a pristine environment.
Lesson plan
Subject: Ecosystems, ELA, Geopolitics, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Cassandra Runyon et al., SERC
Arctic SMARTIC (Strategic Management of Resources in Times of Change)
Students will build off of an introductory presentation on climate change in the Arctic to devise a strategy to manage climate change impacts on a global scale (the Arctic). After a brief synopsis on current issues and management approaches in the Arctic, students will use information based on the stakeholders and interests they've identified in readings done before class, to pinpoint areas of high interest, negotiate conflicts, and develop a sustainable, multi-stakeholder management plan for high priority areas.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, ELA, Geography, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Students will build off of an introductory presentation on climate change in the Arctic to devise a strategy to manage climate change impacts on a global scale (the Arctic). After a brief synopsis on current issues and management approaches in the Arctic, students will use information based on the stakeholders and interests they've identified in readings done before class, to pinpoint areas of high interest, negotiate conflicts, and develop a sustainable, multi-stakeholder management plan for high priority areas.
Lesson plan
Subject: Arguing from evidence, ELA, Geography, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Northwest Passage
Students use Google Earth to explore changing ice conditions in the Arctic, and how these changing conditions affect shipping routes, fossil fuel extraction, geopolitics, and other Arctic issues.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Geography, Geopolitics, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Glenn Richard, SERC
Students use Google Earth to explore changing ice conditions in the Arctic, and how these changing conditions affect shipping routes, fossil fuel extraction, geopolitics, and other Arctic issues.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Climate, Geography, Geopolitics, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School, University/college
Developer: Glenn Richard, SERC
Top of the World
Students will identify, locate, outline, and map the Arctic Circle, including the countries that lie within its boundaries. Students will define the Arctic region by latitude, temperature, and tree line. Students will compare and contrast the human and environmental characteristics of the North and South Poles, the equator, and their home town.
Lesson plan
Subject: Geography
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Students will identify, locate, outline, and map the Arctic Circle, including the countries that lie within its boundaries. Students will define the Arctic region by latitude, temperature, and tree line. Students will compare and contrast the human and environmental characteristics of the North and South Poles, the equator, and their home town.
Lesson plan
Subject: Geography
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
To the Ends of the Earth: Comparing the Arctic and Antarctic
Students sort picture cards using a Venn diagram to find similarities and differences between the Arctic and Antarctic.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Earth science, Geography
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program
Students sort picture cards using a Venn diagram to find similarities and differences between the Arctic and Antarctic.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Earth science, Geography
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program
Arctic Climate Curriculum: Exploring the Arctic
This activity introduces students to the Arctic, including different definitions of the Arctic and exploration of the Arctic environment and Arctic people. Students set out on a virtual exploration of the geography of the Arctic using Google Earth. Students go on to learn about meteorological parameters that are measured by Arctic research teams and practice the measurements in hands-on activities.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Asking questions, Computational thinking, Earth science, Geography, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science, Planning investigations
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
This activity introduces students to the Arctic, including different definitions of the Arctic and exploration of the Arctic environment and Arctic people. Students set out on a virtual exploration of the geography of the Arctic using Google Earth. Students go on to learn about meteorological parameters that are measured by Arctic research teams and practice the measurements in hands-on activities.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Asking questions, Computational thinking, Earth science, Geography, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science, Planning investigations
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Design and Build a Sea Ice Drifter
In an engineering design challenge, students learn about sea ice and sea ice observation technology to build and design their own sea ice drifter.
Project of Mosaic Lesson plan
Subject: Asking questions, Constructing explanations, Engineering and technology, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: 3-5
Developer: SMILE Oregon State
In an engineering design challenge, students learn about sea ice and sea ice observation technology to build and design their own sea ice drifter.
Project of Mosaic Lesson plan
Subject: Asking questions, Constructing explanations, Engineering and technology, Physical science, Sea ice
Grade Level: 3-5
Developer: SMILE Oregon State
Polar Bears in a Warming World:A Climate Change Lesson
Students will locate and distinguish the four major sea ice eco-regions in the Arctic and explore the impacts of sea ice loss over time due to climate change and the ensuing threats these changes may have on the Arctic ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Ecosystems, Life science, Sea ice
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Students will locate and distinguish the four major sea ice eco-regions in the Arctic and explore the impacts of sea ice loss over time due to climate change and the ensuing threats these changes may have on the Arctic ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Ecosystems, Life science, Sea ice
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Arctic Ocean Exploration: Would You Like a Sample?
Students simulate a sampling of Arctic marine biology communities to learn about the limitations of biologic sampling techniques and marine biodiversity in the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation
Grade Level: Middle School
Developer: NOAA
Students simulate a sampling of Arctic marine biology communities to learn about the limitations of biologic sampling techniques and marine biodiversity in the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation
Grade Level: Middle School
Developer: NOAA
Arctic Ocean Exploration: Being Productive in the Arctic Ocean
Students analyze sea ice cover, nutrient, and primary productivity data to understand factors that may limit primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: NOAA
Students analyze sea ice cover, nutrient, and primary productivity data to understand factors that may limit primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Ecosystems, Life science, Oceans and ocean circulation, Sea ice
Grade Level: High School
Developer: NOAA
Jelly Critters
Students conduct research on species of gelatinous zooplankton, and learn about their importance in the Arctic food web.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Ecosystems, Geography, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: NOAA
Students conduct research on species of gelatinous zooplankton, and learn about their importance in the Arctic food web.
Lesson plan
Subject: Climate, Ecosystems, Geography, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: NOAA
Polar Bear Tracker
Students will explore the world of polar bear researchers through the PBI Bear Tracker webpage and the Bear Tracker PowerPoint. They will understand how polar bears are studied using radio collar tracking and track bears in real time. Through the inquiry process, create scientific investigable questions just like real researchers, and learn how you can take action to help polar bears.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions, Climate, Ecosystems, Life science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Students will explore the world of polar bear researchers through the PBI Bear Tracker webpage and the Bear Tracker PowerPoint. They will understand how polar bears are studied using radio collar tracking and track bears in real time. Through the inquiry process, create scientific investigable questions just like real researchers, and learn how you can take action to help polar bears.
Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions, Climate, Ecosystems, Life science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Extreme Ecosystems: A Biodiversity Lesson
Students will identify and categorize plants and animals in the Arctic with an emphasis on which animals are endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern. Students will participate in individual species studies, presentations, and an interactive class trivia game.
Lesson plan
Subject: Ecosystems, ELA, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Students will identify and categorize plants and animals in the Arctic with an emphasis on which animals are endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern. Students will participate in individual species studies, presentations, and an interactive class trivia game.
Lesson plan
Subject: Ecosystems, ELA, Life science, Obtaining and evaluating information
Grade Level: 3-5, Middle School
Developer: Polar Bears International
Atmosphere Layers & Greenhouse Effect Model Activity
Students learn how models are constructed and how they work using a gameboard activity to represent the layers of Earth’s atmosphere and the greenhouse effect.
Lesson plan
Subject: Atmosphere, Developing and using models, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Students learn how models are constructed and how they work using a gameboard activity to represent the layers of Earth’s atmosphere and the greenhouse effect.
Lesson plan
Subject: Atmosphere, Developing and using models, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Developer: UCAR, Center for Science Education
Arctic Climate Curriculum: Exploring Arctic Climate Data
Students dig into authentic Arctic climate data to unravel some causes and effects related to the seasonal melting of the snowpack. In particular, students learn about albedo and its relationship to snowmelt. This concept applied to global climate change on a large scale as well, and students go on to learn about the role of albedo as a self-reinforcing feedback mechanism.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Students dig into authentic Arctic climate data to unravel some causes and effects related to the seasonal melting of the snowpack. In particular, students learn about albedo and its relationship to snowmelt. This concept applied to global climate change on a large scale as well, and students go on to learn about the role of albedo as a self-reinforcing feedback mechanism.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Arctic Climate Curriculum: Do you really want to visit the Arctic?
This jigsaw activity is designed for students to become familiar with several datasets of Arctic weather data, collected in Eureka on Ellesmere Island. Students join a role-playing activity to read and interpret graphs while considering the optimal time to plan a research mission to the Arctic.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Asking questions, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
This jigsaw activity is designed for students to become familiar with several datasets of Arctic weather data, collected in Eureka on Ellesmere Island. Students join a role-playing activity to read and interpret graphs while considering the optimal time to plan a research mission to the Arctic.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Arguing from evidence, Asking questions, Climate, Computational thinking, Constructing explanations, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: CIRES
Albedo: measuring the reflective properties of different surfaces
Students measure the albedo and surface temperature of various ice surfaces and changing processes as the ice melts over time. Students apply what they’ve learned in the experiment to the understanding of albedo, and the role albedo plays in the Earth’s energy budget.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions, Developing and using models, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science, Planning investigations, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program
Students measure the albedo and surface temperature of various ice surfaces and changing processes as the ice melts over time. Students apply what they’ve learned in the experiment to the understanding of albedo, and the role albedo plays in the Earth’s energy budget.
NGSS Aligned Lesson plan
Subject: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions, Developing and using models, Earth science, Obtaining and evaluating information, Physical science, Planning investigations, Sea ice
Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University/college
Developer: U.S. Ice Drilling Program