What happens if the polar ice caps melt?

Interesting question, but easily answered I believe. If ice melted in the northern region it would not raise the sea-level, since much of the ice is in water and would not make a difference if it melted. The same amount of space is taken-up as ice or water. I do not think that all of the ice would melt (most being in the southern region-Antarctica-ice situated on the continent) since the average temperature in the area is about -37°C, although if the ice did indeed melt, it would still be catastrophic,  especially in areas such as Indonesia (low-lying land masses)  Many coastal cities and areas alike would be flooded or inundated with water. Standing/stagnate water may result and give rise to diseases such as malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes. Farmland would also be affected, as water (salt) would literally destroy crops. This would cause farmers to relocate to higher altitudes, but would also present problems for crops that cannot grow in higher elevations. A cascade-effect would take place displacing people,animals and marine life. Huge rises in the price of land. Governments and peoples confronting each other in dispute over land and food. It would be a socio-economic nightmare; a situation that may be hard to deal with in a civilized manner.

At the same time, I do not believe that all land masses would be covered by water, unless there was a polar shift so severe that huge amounts of water would suddenly be displaced. I am not certain of these events, but one thing that I am certain about is that all of humanity will face something in the not-too-distant future, which it is ill-prepared for.

Five E's of Science....

Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration(Extension) and Evaluation...

The scientific method is a term that is of course not alien to most people in or outside the realm of science. To sum-up the method may be as follows:

• Ask (a) Question(s)
• Do Background Research
• Construct a Hypothesis
• Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
• Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
• Communicate Your Results

Today, there seems to be a more broader approach to the method. There tends to be a communicative process through the method using what is called the "5 E's",  Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration and Evaluation. I believe that the 5 E's have been constructed specifically for the school student. The most attractive aspect of the 5 E's would be Engagement. I feel that it is an integral part of a good science lesson plan. Students should be be allowed to have input into what is most intriguing or relevant to them. Questioning is vital and at the heart of science. Students can be approached individually or put into groups and discuss what issue or aspect of science attracts him/her or what phenomena/natural event  promotes inquiry the most. The other four E's are self-explanatory and akin to the scientific method.

I found the 5 E's to be quite helpful in designing a lesson plan and would consistently go back to use as a reference when designing one. I would say that the process of designing a science lesson plan is some what limiting without the 5 E's. In a sense the 5 E's help to encapsulate a much broader realm for the student to expand his/her potential and query, without too many barriers or limitations in place in a more traditional approach to pedagogy.