How many glaciers advanced across the landscape and retreated back? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to take this learning adventure into your classroom, have your teacher download the free Discussion Guide at the bottom of this page so everyone can share in the fun of this inquiry based learning.

All this glacial activity started about 2.5 million years ago, and ended about 12,000 years ago. During that time, we had four major periods of glacial activity that shaped and reshaped our land surface. When the ice sheets finally retreated, they left behind some really interesting features. So in the end, the glaciers changed much of our surface geology. And it’s the geology of the land that affects a great many things in our lives today – from the water we drink to what forests grow where. The coolest news of all is that some scientists think we may be living in an “interglacial period”. Should we consider getting out our cross country skis?

The four parts of Trailing Ice Age Mysteries from Into the Outdoors and their companion Discussion Guide below, will help guide you and your classroom into unlocking many of the ice age mysteries the glaciers left behind. This is seriously COOL science, so just chill.

Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. So click on their logo to discover more!

    Full Video

    Classroom Videos

    The Driftless Area

    Ice Age Trekking

    Glacial Geology Matters

    Exploring Glacial Features

    Ice Caves of Lake Superior

    Classroom Assets

    Rocking Around

    Lesson Guide Driftless Area

    Lesson Guide Glacial Geology Matters

    Wetlands Ecologist

    RElated Content

    Wild About Walleye

    Welcome to Wild About Walleyes as part of our Getting Families Fishing Series. As you’ll discover in this TV show and related classroom videos, walleye fishing offers...

    Turning Crude Oil into Fuels

    Have you ever wondered where the fuels that power our vehicles comes from? Or, have you thought about how they turn syrupy black crude into the clear gasoline and fuels...

    Safety and Etiquette: Becoming A Responsible Boater

    Boating safety courses are essential for teaching new boaters about the rules of the waterway and how to safely operate a boat, but there are some "unspoken rules" that...

    Chemistry of Life

    This episode unravels some of the foundational chemistry that affects everything on planet earth. It begins with the primary conversion of simple chemicals into complex...
    Mapping the Mysteries of the Great Lakes. Man and women walking on sand towards Great Lake

    Mapping the Mysteries: Great Lakes Careers

    When a school career fair leaves the team uninspired, Diane, Jack, and Terry split up to chase down real careers around the Great Lakes—from the harbors of Sheboygan,...

    Into Taking Aim With Shooting Sports

    When you hear conservation, you may think research, improving habitat and protecting wildlife, but shooting sports also are a driving force behind funding. Archery,...

    Crazy for Crappies

    Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the fishing fun and education in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch this entire...

    History of Nautical Navigation: Safely Navigating Our Waterways

    For hundreds of years, the waterways of the United States have been utilized as a means of transportation. From historical navigation tools and methods used by Native...

    Managing Forests for Multi-Use

    Discover how sustainable forest management benefits wildlife, recreation, and the economy. From protecting ecosystems to producing forest products, learn how forests...

    Plant Diversities

    The ITO science sleuths investigate how plants can create life from the raw abiotic elements in the environment, with some even making their own fertilizer from air....

    Thank you, Partners!