The Big Melt Article

Article: The Big Melt

Question: Are there measures that we can take to reduce glaciers melting around the world? What would be the most effective course of action?

1. Hypothesis: We will have “glaciers” covered in nothing, plastic wrap, black construction paper and aluminum foil that will be placed in the sun.  Which glacier will melt the fastest? Slowest? Explain your reasoning.

2. Opening photos (pg. 14-15). Describe the photos on these pages.

3. Explain how what you see in the photos relates to the article text.

4. Map (pg. 16). Describe the map.

5. Explain how the map connects to information in the text.

6. Describe the graph.

7. Explain how the information in the graph supports the article text.

8. Which visual element do you think best supports the central idea of the article? Explain your answer.

Post-demonstration:

9. Which ice cube melted the most? The least?

10. Based on your observations, which of the materials you tested would make the best blanket to prevent a glacier from melting?

11. What other materials would you suggest that we test? Explain why you would want to test these materials.