The Old Days
Students interview long-term residents to document environmental changes over the past 50 years. They summarize their findings in reports and create a newspaper to share with the community.
Bering Sea Expedition WebQuest
In this 6-8 day investigation, students use a WebQuest activity to research the effects of melting sea ice in the Bering Sea Ecosystem. The students create research proposals to earn a place on the scientific research vessel Healy, and present their findings and proposals to a “Research Board committee”.
Melting Ice
Students investigate how melting glacial ice affects sea levels by conducting an experiment comparing land and sea ice melt. They analyze predictions, record observations, and discuss the implications of rising sea levels, including regional variations and climate impacts.
Temperature and Sea Level Rise
Students investigate how warming seawater affects sea levels by measuring water expansion when heated. They analyze their results, discuss thermal expansion’s role in sea level rise, and explore the broader impacts of melting Arctic sea ice on climate and ecosystems.
Melting Sea Ice and Sea Level
Students investigate whether melting Arctic sea ice affects sea levels by observing an ice cube melting in a cup of water. They record predictions, analyze results, and discuss how ice displacement explains why sea ice melt does not raise sea levels, with extensions exploring water density differences.