Glaciation is a topic which fascinates students and adults alike. The extreme power of the ice seems to contrast with its plasticity and flow, and the immense time periods capture the imagination. Glaciers are like huge giants who move so slowly you cannot see a single motion, but who can destroy mountains or build landforms. The information contained in the ice can tell us so much about past climates, flora, and fauna. And in many parts of the world, classes can visit glaciers to be overwhelmed by the size, scope and power of these majestic ice formations.

This unit contains a full introduction to glaciation, and then focusses on the Mount Logan area. It encourages the development of thorough, detailed research questions, gives a spatial example of the huge time frames, teaches about persuasive essay writing, and finishes with a formal debate in which students must research contemporary issues and defend a position. The contents of this unit are as follows:

• Lesson One: Introduction to Glaciation
• Lesson Two: Glaciation in the Mount Logan Area
• Lesson Three: Glaciation Timeline Activity
• Lesson Four: Mt. Logan Icecap
• Lesson Five: Ancient Glacial Ice
• Lesson Six: Final Debate
• Final Quiz

Curriculum Links:

British Columbia Integrated Resource Package for Geography 12

SYSTEMS OF THE EARTH
(Gradation Processes)

It is expected that students will

• Describe the features and processes of erosion and deposition associated with water and ice, including groundwater, rivers, oceans, and alpine and continental glaciation