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Warnings from the Ice

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. One hazard scientists face when working in Antarctica is extreme cold. To simulate cold conditions, fill a bucket halfway with ice water. Record the water temperature. Have a student put one hand in a large plastic freezer bag and submerge it in the bucket. Place a thermometer in the bag so that it is next to, but not in, the hand and record the temperature. How long can the student keep his or her hand submerged before it becomes uncomfortable? Next, fill a large freezer bag with about four cups of shortening. Place the student's bagged hand into the second bag so that the shortening surrounds the hand. Submerge the hand again. What is the temperature inside the bag that contains the hand now? How does the shortening protect the hand? What animal adaptations are similar to shortening? How might humans protect themselves from the extreme cold of Antarctica?

After Watching

1. Discuss with students the scientific research being conducted in this program. What were some ways that scientists are trying to measure climate change?