Antarctica

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Develop geography literacy while learning about the unique characteristics of Antarctica!

The 7 Continents: Antarctica helps students learn about Antarctica through engaging reading and writing activities.

Five geography units cover the following standards-based topics:

Section 1: Antarctica in the World
Introduces students to the location of Antarctica in the world.

• Antarctica's Relative Location
• Antarctica's Hemispheres
• Antarctica's Absolute Location
• Using a Projection Map

Section 2: Physical Features of Antarctica
Introduces students to the highest, driest, coldest, and iciest continent on the planet.

• Formation of Antarctica
• Antarctica's Harsh Landscape
• East Antarctica
• West Antarctica
• Antarctic Mountains
• Antarctic Ice
• Antarctica's Climate
• Climate Changes in Antarctica
• Antarctica's Bodies of Water

Section 3: History of Exploration
Students learn about the diverse history of Antarctica's discovery and exploration.

• Unknown Southern Land
• Early Exploration
• Bellingshausen and Weddell
• Ross and Wilkes
• Belgica Stranded
• Heroic Age
• Race to the South Pole
• Mawson and Shackleton
• Exploration by Air
• Admiral Byrd

Section 4: People of Antarctica Today
Students learn about the people who research, visit, and live in Antarctica.

• Antarctica Treaty
• Antarctica's Scientific Research
• Female Scientists
• Communication in Antarctica
• Tourism in Antarctica

Section 5: Natural Resources and Wildlife
Introduces students to the natural resources and wildlife of Antarctica.

• Resources of Antarctica
• Lichens, Fungi, Moss, and Algae
• Land Invertebrates
• Animals in the Ocean
• Animals: Visitors on Land
• Antarctica's Web of Life

This resource contains teacher support pages, reproducible student pages, and an answer key.