limate change is an abstract concept to many people living in temperate parts of the world. Not so, in the far north where, among all the citizens of this planet, Arctic people and wildlife are being hit Òfirst and worstÓ by its insidious impacts. On Thin Ice presents a stirring, in the flesh picture of the stresses and storms of this global threat. This story paints a vivid picture of Arctic climate change, experienced first-hand by the Inuit who live there and the magnificent animal to which they are culturally, economically and spiritually tied Ð the polar bear.
The purpose of this teacher's guide, Polar Bears in a Climate of Change, is to help bring the fast changing Arctic world closer to the hearts and minds of young people everywhere. The novel On Thin Ice draws students into this world through the power of dramatic narrative. In turn, this teacher's guide, through a variety of practical learning activities, allows students to further explore the many themes introduced by the novel. These themes are grounded in Òthe real worldÓ which, as the students will learn, is organically linked to their own, wherever they may live.
