Background info

As maybe an introduction to the topic of glaciers, a mini snapshot of glacial history could be taught. This would mainly be as a background and basis for the students to reference, but it also would give a grounding to the topic. It is probably not essential but could potentially be worthwhile mentioning. Obvious statements could be included here about glaciers. Even though some students may already know this, it would at least put every student at the same level of initial learning by giving a simple overview. A random fact section could be used as part of an activity to see which facts around glaciers are true to see what the students already know/can deduce.

Glaciers
-A mass of ice which moves slowly downhill
-Found at high altitude across the world
-Formation of glaciers and the way in which they shape our landscape is known as glaciation

History

-During the last ice age (18,000 years ago) ice covered 30% of the world-Ice remained on the land all year round
-Evidence of previous ice ages can be noted in the Lake District

Random Facts

10. Approximately 10 percent of the Earth is covered by glaciers; during the last Ice Age, they covered one-third of the Earth’s surface.

9. Glacier ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water on the planet, storing an estimated 75 percent of the world’s supply.

8. Glaciers are found in 47 countries.

7. A glacier can range in length from the equivalent of a football field to more than 100 miles.

6. The Antarctic ice sheet is actually a glacier and has existed for at least 40 million years. If it were to melt in its entirety, sea levels would rise 210 feet worldwide, according to the U.S. Geological Service.

5. Though it sits on the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro is glaciated.

4. On steep slopes, a glacier can be as thin as 50 feet.

3. Mountain valleys are typically “V” shaped before being taken oven by a glacier; during glaciation, the valley widens and deepens and thus becomes “U” shaped.

2. A single glacier ice crystal can grow to be as large as a baseball.

1. Alaska is estimated to have more than 100,000 glaciers. Most remain unnamed.