Strategy Share: Exploring Climate Change with Google Earth

I circumnavigated Iceland on expedition as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow in July 2017, not long after the announcement that the United States planned to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Back home in the U.S. at that time, there was a lot of political debate about involvement in the agreement and the value of combating global warming at home. Meanwhile in Iceland, I came face to face with the effects of global warming as we visited spectacular landscapes threatened by the warming climate. Continue reading Strategy Share: Exploring Climate Change with Google Earth

Switzerland Protects the Alps with a Blanket

ENVIRONMENT In the Swiss Alps, efforts to stop glacial melting have become commonplace. Each year, for example, a group of residents makes its way to the Rhône Glacier to cover up the ice in huge white blankets. (Smithsonian) Adapt our activity to learn more about how light-colored surfaces have a cooling effect on Earth. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in … Continue reading Switzerland Protects the Alps with a Blanket

The Last Snow on Earth May Be Pink

ENVIRONMENT As glaciers thaw, one colorful group of microorganisms is thriving. (The New Yorker) Enough with the microbes—what else causes red snow? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit Text Set. Discussion Ideas The terrific New Yorker article explains the phenomenon of “watermelon snow.” What is watermelon snow? Watermelon snow, also called pink snow or blood snow, is … Continue reading The Last Snow on Earth May Be Pink

Can Artificial Glaciers Help Solve the Himalaya Water Crisis?

ENVIRONMENT Engineers hope that when the man-made sculptures melt, they will provide water in times of need. (BBC) How do communities rely on glaciers? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit Text Set, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas The BBC article and video outline one solution to the “water crisis in the Himalaya.” Why does … Continue reading Can Artificial Glaciers Help Solve the Himalaya Water Crisis?

Why is This Glacier Bleeding?

SCIENCE Most glaciers weep freshwater ‘tears’—this one gushes briny ‘blood.’ (Nat Geo News) Learn all about Blood Falls with our great resource, including educator, student, and family versions. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to our study guide on Blood Falls, the phenomenon is a liquid outflow at the snout of Taylor Glacier in … Continue reading Why is This Glacier Bleeding?