The Cryosphere: Arctic, Antarctica and Ice

The Cryosphere module introduces what the Cryosphere is, the effects of climate change upon the ice, and the ecosystems it is home to. The Cryosphere 2 Antarctic, ice sheets and shelves, and how these are changing. The Cryosphere 3 then explores the Arctic, glaciers and ice caps, and optical and multispectral remote sensing. Each subsection keeps in mind the growing question of climate change and the effect this will have on the Cryosphere in these locations, and what we could do to monitor or combat this change. These principles are explored through Earth Observation and technological developments, and how this data is presented and analysed by scientists.

This resource makes accessible complex ideas about the atmosphere, what it’s composed of and how we can measure this. The age range is adaptable to learners aged 7-14.

Learning outcomes
Cryosphere 1:
SCN 2-08b: By investigating floating and sinking of objects in water, I can apply my understanding of buoyancy to solve a practical challenge.
SCN 2-15a: By contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
SOC 3-07a: Having investigated processes which form and shape landscapes. I can explain their impact on selected landscapes in Scotland, Europe and beyond.
Cryosphere 2:
SCN 2-15a: By contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.
SCN 3-08a: I have collaborated in investigations into the effects of gravity on objects and I can predict what might happen to their weight in different situations on Earth and in space.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
Cryosphere 3:
SCN 3-08a: I have collaborated in investigations into the effects of gravity on objects and I can predict what might happen to their weight in different situations on Earth and in space.
SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time.
SOC 3-14a: I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world.

This resource created by Morag Fotheringham, Ross Slater and Nick Homer, and adapted by Molly Wickett, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.