The simulation will help students understand glacier mass balances and the effects of climate change on glaciers because students can manipulate different parameters to see the effects over time.
Tools are provided in the animation to measure glacial thickness, glacier velocity, and glacial budget.
Additional Prerequisites
The activity page has other labs, lessons, and activities that can go with the simulation, but you must register for a free account to access them.
The simulation is not self-explanatory. Teachers will need to practice using the tool before showing students how to use it.
Some Mac/OS users may have trouble running the simulation.
Differentiation
The simulation has two different levels, introduction and advanced, for middle school and high school students.
The simulation is available in 35 languages. To view the simulation in another language, click on the Translations tab below.
After working with the simulation, students can write a paragraph explaining what they learned about glaciers from the simulation.
Math classes can use this simulation to estimate future effects by drawing a graph of the data and then using a best-fit line to estimate future conditions.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET Interactive Simulations at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.