Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this activity students investigate the different properties of solids, liquids and gases. They explore what happens when rising temperatures cause ice on land and in the sea to melt. They conduct two experiments, one looking at sea ice and the other looking at land ice and observe how the melting of this ice affects the sea level.
This activity has been created in partnership with WWF-Australia. Earth Hour is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of teachers use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.
Join the program and take part in Earth Hour Schools Day on Friday the 27th March 2020. You can also involve family and friends in Earth Hour on Saturday 28th March 2020 8:30-9:30pm.
Learning goals:
- Students build an understanding of states of matter
- Students explore changing states of matter
- Student apply their scientific knowledge to predict how rising temperatures will impact our climate.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking
Australian Curriculum content description:
Year 5 Science
- Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways(ACSSU077)
- With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict what the findings of an investigation might be (ACSIS231)
- With guidance, plan appropriate investigation methods to answer questions or solve problems (ACSIS086)
- Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS218)
- Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts(ACSIS093)
Year 6 Science
- Changes to materials can be reversible, such as melting, freezing, evaporating; or irreversible, such as burning and rusting (ACSSU095)
- With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict what the findings of an investigation might be (ACSIS232)
- Use equipment and materials safely, identifying potential risks (ACSIS105)
- Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS221)
- Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts (ACSIS110)
Syllabus Outcomes: SC4-15LW, SC4-12ES, SC4-10PW.
Topic: Climate change
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – conduct experiment, facilitate discussion and oversee activity
Resources required: Ice cubes, waterproof tray, plastic sheet, sticky tape, scissors, water, black marker, ruler long enough to fit most of the width of the tray, gravel (optional), internet access, student worksheet.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities, infographic creation (e.g. Piktochart)
Homework and extension opportunities: This activity includes opportunities for extension.
Keywords: Sea ice, ice bergs, land ice, melting, experiment, Antarctica, Arctic.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
