Melting Icebergs Experiment

Global warming is a largely researched topic.  Research shows humans contribute to global warming by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and changing the composition of our climate (EPA, 2012).  When presented with the Melting Icebergs Experiment, I could not wait to get started.  Of course, I am thinking how my students would respond to this experiment. 

This experiment is considered confirmation inquiry.  Confirmation inquiry is providing students a question and procedure when results are known in advance (Banchi & Bell, 2008).  The question for the experiment is what happens when ice cubes (icebergs) melt in a bowl of water?  My hypothesis is I believe as the ice cubes melt; the water level will rise and flow over the rim of the bowl.  I place a lump of ice cubes in a glass bowl and put in an area where it will not be disturbed.  Carefully, I pour water in the bowl to the rim.  I observe for several hours until all ice melts.

The ice starts to crackle and separate as time goes on.  After about three hours, the ice completely melts.  A very small amount of water trickled over the side of the bowl.  As I evaluate the outcome, I did expect more water to spill over the side of the bowl. To promote further thinking- would this experiment change if it were outside in a warmer temperature? What if I added salt to the water in the bowl and added fresh water ice cubes?

Overall, I found this experiment engaging and it would work great with my fifth graders.  I think researching global warming complimented the activity and added a real world connection.  I found a video to share from NASA to illustrate polar ice caps melting, which is directly linked to this experiment.

As I researched, I came across two terms: Global Warming and Climate Change.  I was interested why the terms were preferred to some scientists and not others.  According to NASA, global warming is describing an increase in surface temperature whereas climate change is explaining the change long-term to the climate (NASA, 2012).  An interesting bit of information you may not have considered. 

References

Banchi, H., & Bell, R. (2008). The many levels of inquiry. Science and Children, 46(2), 26–29. Retrieved on July 8, 2012 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail?sid=f218157f-411e-4b18-a5ee-9c8577f37f96%40sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=21&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=ehh&AN=34697743

EPA- United State Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Retrieved on July 12, 2012 from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/index.html

NASA. (2012). NASA finds thickest parts of Arctic ice cap melting faster. Retrieved on July 12, 2012 from http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/thick-melt.html