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

    CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND FOREST STEWARDSHIP

    Explore how sustainable forest management helps forests adapt to climate change while maintaining biodiversity and supporting local communities. Join the adventure team...

    Learn Boating Safety: Save That Life!

    Savvy Seagull welcomes Barnacle Bob, Party Boat Dude, and Wannabe Certified as guests on “Save That Life,” the game show where contestants win priceless lessons that...

    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 Boating Safety: Advanced Boating Technology

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re meeting up with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn more about different boating technologies that could save your...

    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...

    A River Reborn / The Ottaway, A River Reconnected

    Rivers are like arteries, bringing life to the region surrounding them, washing away waste, purifying the environment with their biotic and abiotic processes.  Just...

    Sustainable Ecosystems: Restoring Walleyes in Native Lakes

    Dive into this "tail" of walleye conservation, as our Into the Outdoors Adventure Team member, Zach, discovers the significance of this species culturally and...

    Into Environmental Sustainability

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, Adventure Team member, Zach, heads out into his community to learn more about sustainability and his role in creating a healthier...

    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...

    Into Bowfishing: From Water to Table

    On this Into the Outdoors episode, we catch our dinner! Bowfishing combines hunting and fishing. Our sights are set on invasive species in the Potomac River near the...

    Thank you, Partners!