The results from this weeks experiment was very surprising to me. I just knew that once the ice cubes melted, the cup would overflow. Boy was I wrong! The water level stayed the same. How could this be? After about 2 minutes of confusion, the answer finally hit me. The water level didn't change because of volume. The liquid produced by the melted ice still had the same volume as the solid ice cubes. The water didn't create any new space.
What will happen if the polar ice caps melt? I think this experiment proved part of the answer. If the ice caps are already floating in water, then we won't have to worry about any flooding or rise in sea level. On the other hand, if the ice caps are covering land, the newly produced water will cause flooding or a rise in sea level because it will add volume to the oceans.
Although global warming isn't a topic I cover in 8th grade Physical Science, I can use this lesson in the unit I teach volume. In addition, this lesson addresses a real life issue that could possibly affect everyone in the future.
The one major question I have is what will happen to the wild life (polar bears, etc...) that are living on the ice caps if they melt?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using the experiment to teach your volume unit. I will be teaching physics this year and I like that idea. That way you can teach your physics lesson along with an environmental issue with your students.
I also like the idea of using this assignment to teach volume.I was a bit confused at first by the experiment. Environmental issues is something that students find interesting because it impacts them personally.
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