Linear Trends in Sea Ice Data

Provided by: Polar Bears International |Published on: March 24, 2026

Lesson Plans

9101112

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Synopsis

In this lesson, students will interpret trend lines to determine if sea ice loss is due more to chance or factors like climate change.
Students will observe data, generate a best-fit line, and interpret the significance of the data.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Mathematics

Authors: Dr. Jody Reimer, Linda Zhao

Region: Polar Regions

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This lesson includes an engaging area graph that helps students see the ice physically change throughout time.
This is a quick lesson that should fit in one class period, depending on students' familiarity with the subject matter.

Prerequisites

Teachers should note that pages 5-8 are an answer key.
Students may benefit from having this region presented on a world map.
Students may also need some more information about climate change to understand the connection.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers can follow this lesson with this one to connect sea ice loss with global climate change.
Before sharing their best-fit line with the class, students can check with a partner to see if their lines are similar.
Some students may benefit from having a coin near them or having a teacher demonstrate the coin flip scenario.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Polar Bears International

Polar Bears International is the only conservation organization solely dedicated to protecting wild polar bears. Through science, advocacy, media, and education, we work to ensure the polar bear’s long-term survival. Together, we can make sure that polar bears roam the sea ice for generations to come and improve conditions for people, too.

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

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