Climate Science Educational Workshop

Lesson Plan: Understanding Climate Degradation Through Rock and Ice

Workshop Title:

Exploring the Colours of Ice: A Journey Through Climate Degradation

Objective:

To educate learners on climate degradation through visual exploration of glacial ice, enabling them to identify advancing and retreating glaciers, understand the science behind ice coloration, and create artwork inspired by their findings.

Duration:

2 hours

Target Audience:

High school students (grades 9-12)

Materials Needed:

  • Ice samples (if possible) or images of glaciers

  • Colour mixing supplies (paints, palettes, brushes)

  • Allumium panel 10 x 10cm

  • Reference materials on glaciers and climate change

  • Projector for visual presentations

  • Markers and sketchpads for preliminary drawings

Workshop Outline:

Introduction (15 minutes)

  • Brief overview of climate change and its impact on glaciers.

  • Introduce the objectives of the workshop.

  • Explain the importance of glaciers in the climate system.

Session 1: Visual Exploration of Glacier Colors (30 minutes)

  • Present images of various glaciers, focusing on their colors and textures.

  • Discuss what produces the different colors of glaciers (e.g., light refraction, sediment, algae).

  • Encourage learners to take notes on observations.

Session 2: Identifying Glacier Changes (30 minutes)

  • Introduce concepts of advancing and retreating glaciers.

  • Show images or data illustrating these phenomena.

  • Group activity: Learners will identify glacier types in small teams using provided reference material.

Break (10 minutes)

Session 3: Colour Mixing Exercise (20 minutes)

  • Hands-on activity: Learners will mix colors to replicate the hues seen in glacial ice.

  • Guide learners in understanding how to achieve different shades and textures.

  • Encourage collaboration and discussion among groups while mixing.

Session 4: Creating Artwork Inspired by Ice (30 minutes)

  • Learners will create an artwork inspired by their experiences and knowledge gained throughout the workshop.

  • Encourage the use of techniques learned in the color mixing session.

  • Allow time for each learner to share their artwork and the inspiration behind it.

Conclusion (15 minutes)

  • Recap what was learned about climate change and glaciers.

  • Discuss the significance of art as a medium for understanding and communicating climate issues.

  • Q&A session to address any remaining questions.

Assessment:

  • Participation in discussions and activities.

  • Quality and creativity of the artwork produced.

  • Ability to articulate the concepts learned about glacier identification and coloration.

Follow-Up: