‘Disappearing’ ice
| Students profile/age of the student: | 6 -12 years old… |
| Connected subject in the curriculum | Science |
| Skills and competencies to be developed | critical thinking, content knowledge |
| Terminology, keywords | Changing state, matter |
| Teaching techniques and tools: | brainstorming, case study |
| Materials needed: | 1 ice cube per student, a couple of bottle of water |
| Materials offered | Additional links: earthlearningidea.com/PDF/167_Water_1.pdf |
| The time needed for the activity | approx 30 minutes |
Description
Check that ice cubes are not so cold that they stick to your hand, then give one to each pupil.
As they hold the ice cube clasped in their hands, discuss these questions:
– How does the ice cube feel? Why?
– Where is the water coming from? How?
– Where will the ice cube go?
– How could you make another ice cube from the water?
This gives pupils opportunities to explore ideas about the change of state from ice to water (and back again). If appropriate, talk about icebergs and their disappearance.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/big-thaw/
Scientists who assess the planet’s health see indisputable evidence that Earth has been getting warmer, in some cases rapidly. Most believe that human activity, in particular the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, have influenced this warming trend. In the past decade, scientists have documented record-high average annual surface temperatures and have been observing other signs of change all over the planet: in the distribution of ice, and in the salinity, levels, and temperatures of the oceans.
.