Students play a game that demonstrates the importance of primary production by Arctic Ocean ice algae and the use of isotopes to trace sources of nutrients in food webs. They also discuss the implications of shrinking Arctic sea ice as a result of climate change.
Short vodcasts feature current research and the scientists involved. Four Climate Watch vodcasts, including ones on Changing Biomes and Permafrost, and a series on research at Lake El'Gypytgyn in Siberia involving coring through 3.5 million years of lake sediments to reconstruct Arctic paleo-environments were still in production on April, 2011.
Educator Guide. (PDF, 641 KB) Quick reference with links to:
- Lesson plans and units in the online Alaska Seas and Rivers K-8 curriculum produced by Alaska Sea Grant
- Resources and lesson plans related to planning and carrying out ocean science fairs and projects that can be entered into the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair.
The guide lists Alaska state science standards and grade level expectations and national Ocean Literacy Principles addressed by each lesson plan and the resources are aligned with Alaska standards for cultural relevance.
Special collection of multimedia resources developed by WGBH Boston featuring Alaska Native knowledge, concerns, and the response of Alaska Native communities and cultures to climate change.
Variety of resources including lesson plans to assist K-12 educators in meeting Alaska's science standards and addressing standards for culturally-relevant education.
NASA-sponsored scientist-teacher partnership program for student collection of data about snowflakes as part of the Global Snowflake Network and lake ice and snow pack temperatures using a Thermochron probe.
Lesson plans, journals, photos, and opportunities to interact with teachers and researchers on a variety of expeditions and cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Bettina Kaiser, Editor. Ice is featured as one of six polar themes. The book provides an excellent summary of current sea ice research and understandings and includes teacher-tested hands-on science activities.
COSEE Alaska is sponsoring ocean science fairs in rural Alaskan communities that integrate Alaska Native culture by requiring that projects have cultural or community relevance.
The extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice has diminished significantly during the first decade of the 21rst century, reaching a record low summer extent in 2007. Changes in sea ice have major impacts on Arctic marine ecosystems and on the fish and wildlife species upon which many Alaskan coastal communities and Native cultures depend.
COSEE Alaska Office: 1007 West Third Avenue, Suite 100 • Anchorage, AK 99501 • tel (907) 274-9612 • fax (907) 277-5242
email • Nora.Deans@nprb.org, Program Director or msigman@alaska.edu, Program Manager