Google Earth Tours of Glacier Change

Mauri Pelto, SERC - On the Cutting Edge Collection

A detailed Google Earth tour of glacier change over the last 50 years introduces this topic in an engaging way. Students are then asked to select from a group of glaciers and create their own Google Earth tour exploring key characteristics and visible changes in that glacier.

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Notes from our reviewers

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If students look at the two glacier tours on their own, they would need a worksheet or other guidance to keep them on track. Educator will have to provide assessment questions.
Combines Google Earth imagery, photographs, topographic overlays and data from glaciers and landforms in a lab activity. Powerful way of using Google Earth. Uses many lines of evidence to build an understanding for the effects of climate change on glaciers. The Google Earth tours are loaded with quality information and present data is in several different formats. These glaciers may have undergone additional changes since this activity was created, so it may be worth investigating additional sources of imagery or data. The USGS has a repeat photography program in Alaska and Montana to observe changes in glaciers. Comments from expert scientist: The activity provides the students a feel of changes occurring on glaciers due to climate change over the past 50 years. Studying and learning become more effective when you actually start feeling it and sensing it. This is what this activity lends.
First part of the activity is passive as students watch the Google Earth tour. But the second part of the activity is active and students create their own glacier tour in Google Earth. Students must already be facile Google Earth users as is stated in the activity; this activity would overwhelm new users. Activity can be done independently or guided by educator. The glacier tours can be used as a standalone presentation for students who are not ready to dive into Google Earth. Activity can be done without computer lab based on link in supporting materials.