Glaciers Glaciers occupy about 10% of the world's total land area, and most of them are located in polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. The Greenland ice cap is the second largest in the world, exceeded only by the massive ice cap that covers Antarctica. This Greenland trial simulates the conditions Laurie will encounter when he begins the Canadian Antarctic Millennial Expedition in October, 1999. For information and pictures of the Greenland Ice Cap, see About the Ice Cap. All expeditions to the Ice Cap must be approved by the Danish Polar Center. Among the requirements are superior physical shape, expedition experience, appropriate equipment and insurances to cover search and rescue parties. Research Have students research glaciers at: National Snow and Ice Data Center World Data Center-A for Glaciology, http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/NSIDC/EDUCATION/GLACIERS/

Rocks, Minerals and Erosion, Grade 4

At its thickest points, the Greenland Ice Cap has a depth of more than 3 km to the bedrock. The bottom layers of the ice are up to 2 million years old. Over millions of years, the weight of the Ice Cap has pressed the original bedrock down about 800 meters.

• Have students classify rocks and create a model of the earth's composition.

Classroom Resources: The YES I Can! Science database contains curriculum-linked science resources for teachers. Grade 4 teachers will find the following resources to use when following this expedition.

Be sure to note the curriculum expectations for each resource. After the expedition is over, explore the other subjects/strands in the YES I Can! Science database for many more activities linked to the science expectations for your grade level!

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