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

    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...

    Into Family Fishing in Your National Forests

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, witness the wonders you could experience while exploring our public lands as you watch four family fishing adventures taking place in...

    Cost of Clean Water

    To discover sources and solutions to pollution in watersheds across Wisconsin, our ITO team of "Eco-investigators" wade into the science of water quality. From climbing...

    How Healthy Markets Sustain Forests

    How can forest product markets support healthy forests? Learn how sustainable management practices and strong markets for wood products help conserve forests, benefit...

    Soybean Sustainability

    Sometimes, we think that the food we eat just pops out of the ground or appears magically at our supermarkets, but the truth is much different. Jacob and Gianna, our...

    How to Protect Lakes from Invasive Species

    Becky and Jane just started the lamest summer job ever—until they realize the marina is full of wild surprises! From talking frogs with safety tips to a fishy...

    Making Your First Catch

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

    Into Fishing With Cane Poles

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we learn about fishing with cane poles, the basics of different bait types, and safety tips for when fishing around a body of water....

    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,...

    Sensible Sustainable Solutions

    More than ever, people are searching for ways to become more sustainable in their homes, communities and as citizens of Planet Earth. In Sensible Sustainable Solutions,...

    Thank you, Partners!