In the Classroom
K-12 Educator Resources
Ages 5 - 9
Today Antarctica is one of the most mysterious places on earth. 98% of the continent's surface is covered in snow and ice. Every other continent in the world has native peoples (people who were born there). But there are no native peoples of Antarctica. The weather conditions and ice and snow make this land too difficult to live on. The seas around Antarctica are equally mysterious. The water on the surface ranges from -1 degree Celcius in the winter to 4 degrees Celcius above in the summer with plenty of icebergs in between. How some fish and plants can survive in the coldest waters in the world is a secret that many polar scientists are working hard to uncover. From May to July a crew of researchers from all over the world will board a large ship and travel the icy waters of Antarctica trying to discover some of the mysteries about the creatures that survive at the bottom of the world. You are invited to be a part of this cruise and discover some new and exciting things along the way!
Here are some questions to ask your students as you begin your discussion of Antarctica. Introduction to Antarctica:
- What do you know about Antarctica?
Coldest, driest, windiest place on earth 98% of the continent is covered in ice - Where is it?
At the Southern Tip of the earth - Who lives there?
Scientists and only for a short time. It's the only continent that is not owned by any country & that is used primarily for science research. - What do you think scientists do there?
They do research to discover new things. - What kinds of things do they study?
Biology, Oceanography, Geology, Archaeology - What kinds of discoveries do the scientists make?
About fish, dinosaurs, energy, plants, water, global climate - What is the coldest place you've ever been to?
Describe what it felt like. What did you wear? What did you do out in the cold?
Activities: (all available as PDF)