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Why are Icebergs Important to the Health of our Oceans? Gr. 7-12

Secondary, Middle

Description

The Why are Icebergs Important to the Health of our Oceans? research feature provides teachers with background information and climate research on how icebergs influence ocean systems and global climate patterns. Focusing on the Greenland ice sheet, the resource explores the role of icebergs in transporting freshwater far offshore, altering ocean currents, and impacting marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The research, led by Dr. Juliana Marson and her team, emphasizes the distinct impacts of liquid runoff versus solid iceberg discharge on the ocean and raises awareness of the broader effects of climate change on polar environments.

Students will:

  • conduct a hands-on density experiment to explore how freshwater from icebergs mixes with saltwater

  • investigate how melting ice changes water density and affects marine life and climate systems

  • understand the role of ocean currents and how iceberg melt can influence their direction and strength

  • discuss how human-induced climate change accelerates iceberg formation and melting

  • connect their experimental results to real-world consequences such as sea level rise, disrupted ecosystems, and changes in weather patterns

The resource includes an engaging, curriculum-aligned science experiment, profiles of climate researchers, guiding questions to promote reflection and discussion, and opportunities for students to consider their own role in climate action.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is part of a collection of lessons which bring local climate change research into the classroom. The research features enable teachers to address climate change through fun, engaging and accessible research topics. 

Discover Our Climate research features are relevant to Atlantic Canada and include curriculum-based learning activities designed for grades seven to twelve. Each feature encourages students to be curious and create solutions for the on-going climate challenges we face.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
        • Mix and Flow of Matter
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Fluids
        • Water Systems on Earth
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Learning and Living Sustainably
        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Scientific Literacy
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Fluids
        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
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        • World Geography 3200/3202: Land and Water Forms
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
  • Nova Scotia
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Environmental Action
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        • Science 8: Climate Change
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      • Geography
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        • Geography 10: Ocean Environment
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      • Science
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        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
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    • Grade 7
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        • Physical Patterns in a Changing World
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
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    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Scientific Solutions to Contemporary Environmental Challenges
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Fluids
        • Water Systems on Earth
  • Quebec
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      • Science & Technology
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        • The Earth and Space
        • The Material World
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      • Science & Technology
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        • The Earth and Space
        • The Material World
  • Saskatchewan
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      • Science
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        • Science 8: Forces, Fluids,& Density
        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Water (1)

  • Marine Environments

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