How Melting Ice Affects Sea Level

In this lab experience, students carry out an investigation to determine how melting sea ice and melting glaciers affect sea level. They determine the impact by comparing the results of two experimental setups. The energy required to melt ice will be determined using a calorimeter, and its value will be close to the expected 334 J/g. Changes in temperature of water in a calorimeter will be used to determine the amount of heat absorbed by melting ice cubes. In the guided, open, and advanced versions the cooling curve of water will be used to determine that the freezing point of water is approximately 0 °C. In the open and advanced versions, students will observe that the dissolution of sodium chloride will lower the freezing temperature of water.