Introduction

Antarctica is different.  There is no place on our planet as cold, dry or windy.  It is drier than the Sahara Desert!  Plants don't grow there!  No people live there permanently!  It's animals all adapt in special ways to survive.  Read and learn more about this amazing continent. 

Questions

1. Look at the pictures of animals from Antarctica on this page.  If you had to choose one to hang on the wall in your bedroom, which one would it be?  Explain your reason why.
2. Read how David survives living in Antarctica.  How is his diet affected?
3. Many explorers have been to Antarctica.  (a) Who was the first to reach the South Pole?  (b) Which country was he from?  (c) In which year did he make this trip?  (d) What was his form of transport?
4. If you were in a spaceship, 1000 kilometres above the Earth, this is what Antarctica looks like.  What comment might you make to your fellow astronaut?
5. Read this passage about Antarctica's geography and complete these sentences:
1. Antarctica has about 87% of the world's . . .
2. The world's largest . . . . . .  is on Antarctica.
3. The South Pole is the coldest, driest and . . . . . . . . place on Earth.
6. List four ways that animals have adapted to living in Antarctica.
7. Label this emperor penguin.  You can print out the page and label it by hand or download the image and use your computer to label.
8. Look at the Antarctic animal printouts.  Don't forget to also read the descriptions of the animals.  Find three facts which fascinated you about these amazing survivors.  Be prepared to share these facts with your class.
9. Antarctica is a giant glacier.  What is a glacier?
10. Icebergs are bits of glaciers which break off and drift in the sea.  Have a look at these pictures of icebergs around Antarctica.  Imagine you are in a rubber dinghy, with a friend, weaving in between these icebergs.  How would you finish this sentence:  'I can't believe .............'

Web Resources Links

1. Michael Gore Gallery 2, Antarctica
2. Surviving at 80 Degrees Below Zero
3. Antarctica Explorers
4. Antarctica from Space
5. Antarctica Geography
6. How Animals Adapt to Living in Antarctica
7. Label the Emperor Penguin
8. Antarctic Animal Printouts
9. What is a glacier?
10. Iceberg Pictures

The Big Question

What makes Antarctica so special?

Conclusion

Antarctica is an environment which is unique on our planet.  It is a special wilderness which is worth preserving.  I hope you have enjoyed learning more about it.  Talk to others about what you have learned.