GLACIERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION

Since worldwide glacier recession is often cited as evidence for global warming; teaching about glaciers is an important part of climate change education. It is important because glaciers are strong indicators of climate change and because a great deal of basic climate physics can be taught by looking at glacier-climate interactions. To help undergraduates, high school students, and the general public understand these issues, members of the glacier research team have created an extensive collection of on-line educational materials that include interactive models of glacier physics, photographic time-lines of glacier change, virtual tours of glaciated areas, and interactive modules explaining glaciers, glacier-climate interactions, and glacier-climate research tools and techniques. While some of the modules are largely explanatory narrative, many of them take advantage of multi-media technology and inquiry based strategies to set-up exploratory virtual environments. Though all the modules in the collection were designed as digital reference materials rather than components of a curriculum, they have been used as lecture media, lab components, and reference material for student projects. Significant portions of the collection are also used as “web features” in the web sites for two national parks. In this presentation we will demonstrate these modules, discuss some of the issues involved in their creation and use, and examine how they are used in teaching about climate change in general geology and environmental science courses.