The Melting Icebergs inquiry activity was an interesting experiment that showed what scientists believe will happen in another 30-60 years, and that is the polar ice caps, glaciers, and sheets of ice around the world will melt cause some lands to be entirely covered by water. I learned that if the polar ice caps melt then a number photosynthetic phytoplankton could die off affecting a whole ecosystem in that particular area, also the water level in certain parts of the world will rise. While the entire earth will not be covered by water some landmasses will become covered, therefore causing habitats and possibly a certain species of organisms to be lost. The idea that scientists has to prevent this from happening is to have humans use more natural sources of energy and fuel in the future. Many scientists believe the decrease in the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide will slow down the melting of ice caps around the world. However, other scientists believe that this melting of ice caps is a natural occurrence in earths life cycle and that there isn't much humans can do about this.
The only lingering question about this science experience is how do I help my students differentiate from articles on global warming that are biased and not based on scientitific fact. I want to make sure their research is their own. Therefore, is there a form or lesson that I can teach my students to help them identify articles and pieces of information as trustworthy?
That is a very good question about wanting your students to know the difference between article that are based on scientific facts and those that are biased. I found myself checking and rechecking information that I found on sites to make sure I was reading accurate information.
ReplyDeleteTeaching students to review website is one step that can help them differentiate.
Teaching skills like these are definite long term learning skills that teach students to education themselves on reliable information.