Discussion of Challenge Question #4

Yearly Sea Ice Animation Click for large map. Image: Ron Morris

Last time you dug into our new lesson about changes in arctic sea ice over the decades. We asked this:

• “What do your ice map findings tell you about changes in sea ice thickness and extent?
• List at least three ways you think sea ice changes — and related changes — could affect gray whales and other marine animals.”

Students from Ferrisburgh, VT, sent the answer below. They discuss ways sea ice changes could affect gray whales and other marine animals. How does their list compare with yours? Way to go, Ferrisburgh students!

"The maps are predicting what will happen in a 100 year time period. If things stay the way they are, the ice cover will be not as thick as it was. There will be less ice.

"As the ice changes, the whales will go farther north. If they have to go farther north, it will change their migration path. They might not come back as far south. Possibly the babies might not have as safe of a place to be born and raised. The animals that live in the sea near the polar ice caps might die because their habitat is changing. Some food sources would change."

Emily M., TJ S., Daniel and Brittany H. Grade 5, Ferrisburgh Central School (Ferrisburgh, VT)

• Gray Whales and Changing Sea Ice: What Scientists Think
• Lesson: Gray Whales and Changing Sea Ice

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