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How Fast Will It Melt? Learn about the process of ice melting in the Arctic! Activity Guide Description: This game explores how rates of melting in the Arctic increase with the amount of ocean that is exposed. Positive feedbacks affect the rate at which icebergs and glaciers melt during the summer season. Audience: This activity is designed for children ages 7 and older. Length: 15-20 minutes Learning Objective As icebergs and glaciers melt, the replacement of reflective ice with the darker colored ocean encourages more melting. This process is called a positive feedback loop an is enhanced with temperature increases associated with climate change. Climate Connection As icebergs and glaciers melt, the replacement of reflective ice with darker colored ocean encourages more melting. This melting then triggers a positive feedback loop where the rate of melting is increased by further melting. Rates of melting in the Arctic are just one example of a positive feedback loop influenced by climate change. Materials • Ocean game board • Hexagon ice pieces • “How to Play the Game” instruction sheet • Calculator • Pencil and scratch paper (optional) Did you know? Average temperatures in the Arctic region are rising twice as fast as they are elsewhere in the world. Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY Page 1 www.sciencenter.org How Fast Will It Melt? Activity Guide Set Up Instructions Step 1: Set up the game board and game pieces. (If this is the first time using the game cut out the ice game pieces and glue onto card stock or foam, 16 count) Step 2: Follow the instructions on the “How to Play the Game” instruction sheet. Program Delivery [Visitors may play this game on their own or with assistance. Use the “How to Play the Game” Sheet for detailed instructions.] How fast is the ice in the Arctic melting? The increase in air temperatures associated with climate change has created drastic rates of melting in the Arctic over the past several years. Every summer, when air temperatures increase land and sea ice melts, exposing the surface underneath. The surface that is exposed is a darker color than the ice that was previously there, this means that more heat is absorbed by the surface. This phenomena is called albedo and refers to the amount of solar radiation that is reflected by a surface. This game shows the important role that albedo plays with rates of melting. For each ice game piece that you remove you are exposing more blue ocean underneath. The more ocean that is exposed the more solar radiation, or heat from the sun, is absorbed and rates of melting increase. The rates of melting and the role of albedo is creates a positive feedback loop that leads to even further rates of melting. Air Temperature Sea Ice Melts Increases Ocean Releases Heat to Atmosphere Ocean Absorbs Heat This diagram illustrates how positive feedback loops affect the rate of iceberg melting. Credits This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services Copyright 2010, Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY. Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY Page 2 www.sciencenter.org