Snow and Ice Melt

The rate at which ice and snow melt in the summer is important locally--for communities who depend on these sources of water--and globally--for the future of the Earth’s climate due to the ice-albedo feedback loop. Students will generate hypotheses about factors which could impact the melt rate. Then students will test these hypotheses and practice the scientific method through a hands-on experiment either in class or at home.

Taught by: David Clemens-Sewall

Objectives

Through this lesson, students will:

• Learn why the melt rate of snow and ice is important.

• Practice the scientific method by coming up with their own hypotheses regarding factors affecting melt rates, designing an experiment to test their hypotheses, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions.

• Gain experience building experimental setups.

Lesson Components

Lesson Plan

Google Slide Show

Recorded Lecture (YouTube)