Middle schoolers consider the implication of polar exploration. In this polar exploration instructional activity, students research the expeditions that Admiral Peary, Dr. Cook, Captain Scott, and Roald Amundsen made to the North and...

Challenge learners who are studying famous polar explorers to read an excerpt from the diary of Thomas Orde-Lees. They then answer some questions about the explorer, and the conditions under which he was writing.

Students create a mathematical formula to help plan ration supplies for a polar expedition. Using basic algebra skills, students identify the variables in planning for rations. They create an equation to help plan the expedition....

Students investigate reports of an adventure to the North Pole or the South Pole and then chronicle it by writing a newspaper article or making a timeline. The focus is placed on a recent or historic expedition to the region selected.

Second graders receive an "Expedition Ticket" to travel through the Polar Regions- the Arctic and the Antarctic. They research polar bears and make drawings that are to scale.

Young scientists explore some of the scientific equipment that is used by explorers during expeditions to the North or South Pole. Then, they have a relay race! All of the equipment is lined up at a spot 25 yards away from the lines. The...

Students discuss Sir Ernest Shackleton and his participation in the Discovery expedition in 1901 to the South Pole. Students write a persuasive letter of application to an ad Shackleton placed in a London newspaper looking for recruits...

Students compare and contrast different types of light on the electromagnetic spectrum.  In this investigative lesson students create a photographic image that demonstrates the infrared, ultraviolet and polarization phenomena. 

Would you want to vacation in the Arctic or Antarctic regions? Scholars research both regions and produce a travel brochure trying to convince tourists to visit. The project focuses on the geography, climate, flora, fauna, and indigenous...

Students investigate how to design a jacket that can be worn in extremely cold temperatures. They use the internet to research materials and different types of designs. As an extension to the lesson students go to a sporting goods store...

Students investigate the vision adaptations in marine animals in their environments. In this life science lesson, students use polarized filters and make observations.  Students explain how the adaptation of polarized vision is an...

Reading essays about deep-sea expeditions open this lesson on crustacean vision. Marine biology explorers study the compound eye and then complete a worksheet in response to all they have discovered. Although the lesson doesn't offer an...

Fifth graders analyze photographs in order to write descriptively.  In this descriptive writing lesson, 5th graders use the Internet to research and view photographs of the arctic.  Students use descriptive language to write...

Students explore the concept of navigation in these two activities.

Students explore the integral role of the remote polar regions within the global system. They answer the question: How will change in the ice sheets impact global sea level and climate? Students comprehend that the poles offer unique...

Students examine descriptive writing. In this writing lesson, students listen to an audio version of the diary of Lt. Polly Hatchard and her expedition to the South Pole. Students explore the components of descriptive writing and...

Students explain that globes are the best way to show positions of places, but flat maps are portable and can show great detail. They make a mercator projection of the route Lewis and Clark took on their journey.

Students explain polarization vision and why some animals have it while others do not. They examine the reasons why it would be helpful for marine organisms to have polarized light.

Students view a polar view map and discuss ways of telling locations on the map. They view a copy of the map superimposed on a coordinate grid, then discuss ways of telling the locations. Students practice as a class and then...

Middle or high schoolers transform into oceanographers in a week-long simulation. To begin, each group follows directions to create a model of the ocean floor with specified features. Next, the groups prepare to set sail on a research...

This resource provides two ways to engage learners in using latitude, longitude, and research skills. In pairs, or on their own, learners will locate several Antarctic regions on a map. They will write the name of the place and a few key...

Plankton isn't just a tiny cartoon character, it's also a very important food source for animals around the world. Budding scientists discuss the types and functions of plankton, including where they are found, how they are caught, and...

How can organisms light up in water? Bioluminescence is light produced in a chemical reaction that can occur in an organism's body. First, learners determine what happens to light/color as you move into the deep ocean. In groups, they...

Students explore and examine how maps have been used in navigation. They research how travelers collected observations to keep track of their positions and plotted information on maps. Each student then makes a Mercator projection...