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/

Water Systems on Earth, Grade 8

From 1989 to 1994, the U.S. and European scientific communities supported the Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) and Greenland Ice Sheet Project Two (GISP2), to acquire deep ice cores from on and near the Greenland summit. A wide range of environmental and physical parameters (ecm, ions, isotopes, etc.) were measured in each of the cores along with present day meteorological conditions. Examine and discuss the data that has helped investigators piece together past environmental changes which could shed light on possible future scenarios. Have students examine technologies that have enabled scientific research in Greenland.

Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems, Grade 8

Laurie and team mates will be performing hard, physical labour in less than ideal conditions, wind, cold, altitude. Examine the effects on human life systems.

Classroom Resources: The YES I Can! Science database contains curriculum-linked science resources for teachers. Grade 8 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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