Description:
Students learn how sediment core samples can be used to help determine Earth's history in a particular location. Working in groups, they model the process of collecting and interpreting sediment cores by "coring" a cake that has been prepared in advance. Based on the core information, they draw maps of the layers of the cake and write descriptions about the layering in their cakes. They then analyze and interpret data from sediment cores collected in the Ross Sea in Antarctica, and determine the size of the ice sheet during the last great ice age.

This activity is under development. Teachers can participate in the review process by going to the activity site on the Internet. Scroll down to, "We look forward to hearing from you! Please review this activity" and click on that sentence.

Organization:
Teachers Experiencing Antarctica or the Arctic, Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)

URL:
http://tea.rice.edu/Archive/activity/tea_giestingcoreactivity.html

Contact:
Email: glacier@tea.rice.edu; http://tea.rice.edu/

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 5-8

Subject:
Glacial Geology
Polar Regions
Snow and Ice

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00