Ice, Ice, Baby inquiry-based, hands-on activities and lessons for understanding the dynamics of polar ice sheets in sea level rise

Ice, Ice, Baby (IIB) is a program developed by the CReSIS K-12 Education Team. The inquiry-based, hands-on activities and lesson plans are designed to help students understand the dynamics of polar ice sheets in sea level rise. IIB lessons help educators expand the environmental awareness of their students and serve as platforms for the teaching of scientific principles to fulfill the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The “Survival Unit” of the IIB program is an effective component because its lessons are focused on the people involved and their preparation for field work in the Polar Regions. IIB considers this to be an exciting and relatable area of interest, which may stimulate creativity and productivity among youth. Lessons show why explorers must develop awareness of and solutions for hazards such as ice thickness, frigid temperatures, and food scarcity. The lessons associated with these topics are designed to be inquiry-based, hands-on, and to meet the NGSS standards for school districts.