Discovering Antarctica
Site Title: Discovering Antarctica
Site URL: http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/index.php
Useful Content: This site includes detailed accounts about Antarctica’s size, climate, wildlife, time zones, research stations, and political nature. Conveniently, the site does not present this information in the form of an “information dump,” but provides the information in sections of multimedia content such as videos, interactive maps, and informative, interactive games. The site presents the information like a survey of the important aspects of Antarctica, but also engages the reader to learn more by providing activities and resources for additional information.
Appropriate Grade: 6-9
Unit of Study to Connect With: Biology – Ecology, Earth Science – Geology, Chemistry – Temperature, Social Studies – Foreign Relations
Subjects to Incorporate: Antarctica is a unique ecological system, so this site would be appropriate while study Ecology in Biology, but it would also be appropriate when learning about the different types of temperature measurement in Chemistry. A class could look at the temperatures reached in Antarctica and discuss the chemical reactions that could or couldn’t take place at such temperatures. The class could also investigate the areas of Antarctica that could sustain life at their current temperatures or the effect of global warming on the makeup of the continent. Earth Science classes can also use the information on this site to supplement their classroom discussions of the types of rock that make up the Earth. Math classes can look at the rate of change in temperature and population over the past centuries and projection those numbers into the future. Social Studies classes can discuss Antarctica’s unique status and the role it played throughout history.
Specific Skills to Tie-In With This Link:
· Reading comprehension
· Ability to navigate websites and multimedia activities
· Ability to recognize and evaluate outside sources
Specific Outcome of Visiting This Site: A student would visit this site with the purpose of gaining information about the history, climate, biology, ecology, and political status. The site also offers a series of assignments that ask the reader to think critically about the information provided on the site and linked to as resources. The information gained from this site and the assignments can be used to provide a set of background knowledge for assignments in the classroom. Students can create informational texts based on this information. For example, students can compile information from the website and make a travel brochure highlighting interesting facts about Antarctica.
Site URL: http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/index.php
Useful Content: This site includes detailed accounts about Antarctica’s size, climate, wildlife, time zones, research stations, and political nature. Conveniently, the site does not present this information in the form of an “information dump,” but provides the information in sections of multimedia content such as videos, interactive maps, and informative, interactive games. The site presents the information like a survey of the important aspects of Antarctica, but also engages the reader to learn more by providing activities and resources for additional information.
Appropriate Grade: 6-9
Unit of Study to Connect With: Biology – Ecology, Earth Science – Geology, Chemistry – Temperature, Social Studies – Foreign Relations
Subjects to Incorporate: Antarctica is a unique ecological system, so this site would be appropriate while study Ecology in Biology, but it would also be appropriate when learning about the different types of temperature measurement in Chemistry. A class could look at the temperatures reached in Antarctica and discuss the chemical reactions that could or couldn’t take place at such temperatures. The class could also investigate the areas of Antarctica that could sustain life at their current temperatures or the effect of global warming on the makeup of the continent. Earth Science classes can also use the information on this site to supplement their classroom discussions of the types of rock that make up the Earth. Math classes can look at the rate of change in temperature and population over the past centuries and projection those numbers into the future. Social Studies classes can discuss Antarctica’s unique status and the role it played throughout history.
Specific Skills to Tie-In With This Link:
· Reading comprehension
· Ability to navigate websites and multimedia activities
· Ability to recognize and evaluate outside sources
Specific Outcome of Visiting This Site: A student would visit this site with the purpose of gaining information about the history, climate, biology, ecology, and political status. The site also offers a series of assignments that ask the reader to think critically about the information provided on the site and linked to as resources. The information gained from this site and the assignments can be used to provide a set of background knowledge for assignments in the classroom. Students can create informational texts based on this information. For example, students can compile information from the website and make a travel brochure highlighting interesting facts about Antarctica.