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Description
In this outdoor inquiry students investigate how the depth and composition of snow can determine its insulating effects. After digging a snow pit, the air temperature is measured and the temperature and composition of the snow are recorded at regular intervals between the surface of the pit and the ground below.
Students pool their results to determine patterns and consistencies in the relationships among snow depth, snow composition, snow temperature and the distribution of species.
A number of related winter activities are also suggested.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This easy-to-implement outdoor activity provides a great opportunity for getting students outdoors in the winter months. It offers an authentic context in which to examine the concepts of 'limiting factors' and 'adaptation'.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Core
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
- British Columbia
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Physical Education & Health
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Physical Education & Health
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interaction of Ecosystems
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 2200: Ecosytems
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Physical Education & Health
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Physical Education & Health
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (1)
- Appreciating the Natural World
