Investigating Glacial Retreat with Google Earth

Topic: Climate Change and Glacial Retreat

Subject: Geography / Environmental Science
Grade level: 8–10
Duration: 2 lessons (45 minutes each)
Tools: Google Earth (web), student worksheets or Google Docs

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Understand how glaciers are indicators of climate change.

• Analyze visual data using Google Earth’s historical imagery tool.

• Compare glacial extent over time and draw conclusions based on evidence.

• Develop spatial thinking and observation skills.

Preparation

• Identify a well-documented glacier (e.g., Grinnell Glacier, Montana or Kilimanjaro Glacier, Tanzania).

• Create a worksheet with guided questions and space for observations, screenshots, and conclusions.

Lesson Structure

Lesson 1: Introduction and Exploration

1. Hook (5 min): Show striking before-and-after images of a retreating glacier.

2. Mini-lecture (10 min): Brief introduction to glaciers and their role in climate regulation. Discuss why glacial retreat is significant.

3. Google Earth activity (25 min):

   • Open Google Earth and search for the selected glacier.

   • Use the “Historical Imagery” slider (in Google Earth Pro or browser version if available) to view changes over time.

   • Students record observations: How has the glacier changed? What new land features have emerged?

   • Take screenshots and annotate them.

4. Wrap-up (5 min): Share initial findings in pairs or small groups.

Lesson 2: Analysis and Reflection

1. Review (5 min): Quick recap of previous lesson’s key ideas.

2. Group discussion (10 min): What might be causing these changes? What are the local and global impacts?

3. Data interpretation (20 min):

   • Students estimate surface area loss using the measurement tool.

   • Compare with climate data from external sources (temperature rise, CO₂).

4. Conclusion (10 min):

   • Students write a short paragraph explaining how glacial retreat serves as evidence of climate change.

   • Discuss: What can be done? What are possible solutions?

Assessment

• Completed worksheet with observations and measurements

• Reflective paragraph or short presentation

• Participation in group discussion