We are studying the geology of the Western Hemisphere. Our focus this week is the concept of the climate and our Earth interacting. We have been reading about the Ice Ages and the effects they have had in the shaping of the Western Hemisphere. Students have developed thoughtful questions and explorations. They are curious to know how many Ice Ages there have been and are we likely to have another any time soon. Students are exploring the timelines of human evolution, the timeline of plate tectonics and the chronology of Ice Ages and are coming to plausible conclusions. Students are looking at the commonalities in the fauna on different continents and are theorizing how that may have occurred. Students are exploring the effects of climate on sea levels. They are connecting our geologic past with contemporary issues. Students will present their information and conclusions in an infographic.
The following web sites may help students with their research. NOVA - Official Website | What Triggers Ice Ages? - PBS www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/cause-ice-age.html Earth's climate naturally fluctuates between warm periods and ice ages. What likely caused the last "big chill"? The BBC has lots of information, videoes and great pictures, but beware, some information is from Wikipedia. http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/earth/water_and_ice/ice_age American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/earth/ask-a-scientist-about-our-environment/how-did-the-ice-age-end |