NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
An expedition to Antarctica has brought scientists and researchers to the widest glacier on Earth. The Thwaites Glacier is nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier because of its potential impact on sea levels if ice continues to melt. Miles O'Brien reports on the work to drill into the ice to record temperatures and understand the impact of climate change. It's part of our series, Tipping Point.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Why is the Thwaites Glacier nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier?
- Where is the Thwaites Glacier?
- Who are some of the people on the expedition? What jobs do you think they have?
- What are researchers hoping to learn by studying the glacier?
- How are scientists dealing with some of the challenges trying to drill the hole?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How significant is the melting of the Thwaites Glacier?
- What could studying the glacier tell us about climate change?
- What do you think needs to happen with the information scientists learn about the glacier as it relates to taking action, including legislative action, public policy, international cooperation, etc.?
Media literacy: Why do you think the expedition includes several journalists?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Learn more about glaciers and climate change as we join our friends at PocketLab for a live Zoom from Antarctica with Miles O'Brien on Tues. Feb. 10 at 12-pm ET!
Credit: A Journey to Antartica with Miles O'Brien: A Virtual Field Trip with PocketLab and PBS News Hour Classroom
Students will:
- See how scientists study glaciers using ships, sensors and cutting-edge technology.
- Explore innovative solutions like undersea "sea curtains" to slow ice loss and protect coastlines.
- Hear glaciologists, oceanographers and engineers explain the questions driving their research.
- Learn how science and collaboration leads to real-world solutions to some of our biggest challenges.
Check out our previous video lessons on the expedition:
Antarctic voyage explores why a massive glacier is melting
Shorts: 'We made it.' Ship arrives at Antarctica's 'Doomsday glacier'
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