Activity
Episode 29
21 October 2014
st
Antarctic Future
Key Learning
Students will develop a deeper understanding of Antarctica. They will imagine they are an Antarctic
explorer and take part in a citizen science project.
The Australian Curriculum
Science / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and
development of science
Science knowledge can develop through collaboration and
connecting ideas across the disciplines of science.
(ACSHE223) Year 7
Geography / Geographical Inquiry and Skills /
Communicating
Present findings and ideas in a range of communication forms,
for example, written, oral, graphic, tabular, visual and maps;
using geographical terminology and digital technologies as
appropriate. (ACHGS038) Year 5
Science / Science Understanding / Biological sciences
The growth and survival of living things are affected by the
physical conditions of their environment. (ACSSU094) Year 6
Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of
food chains and food webs; human activity can affect these
interactions. (ACSSU112) Year 7
History / Historical Skills / Chronology, terms and
concepts
Sequence historical people and events. (ACHHS117)
(ACHHS098) (ACHHS081) Years 4, 5, 6
Discussion Questions
1. Briefly explain the BtN story to another student.
2. In your own words, describe Antarctica.
3. Where is it in relation to Australia?
4. Who was Douglas Mawson?
5. Name one rule of the Antarctic treaty.
6. Name three countries that have claimed a part of Antarctica.
7. Describe Australia’s involvement in Antarctica.
8. How do ice core samples help us understand climate change?
9. What did a recent report say about Australia’s involvement in Antarctica?
10. Do you think Australia should fund research in Antarctica? Explain your answer.
©ABC 2014
Activities
What do you know about Antarctica?
Classroom discussion
Before watching the BtN Antarctic Future story facilitate a
classroom discussion about Antarctica to find out what
your students already know about the topic. Below are
some discussion starters:






Make some predictions about what you think this
story will be about.
Where is Antarctica?
Describe Antarctica’s environment. Consider its
extreme weather, survival of plants and animals.
Who is this (see picture to right)? What is he
famous for?
Why do you think scientists are so interested in
Antarctica?
What would you like to learn about Antarctica?
Mind map
Students name three things they
know and record their responses
on a mind map with Antarctica in
the middle. What words do they
associate with Antarctica?
Use InstaGrok to create your
classroom’s interactive mind map.
http://www.instagrok.com/
Working together – Antarctic Treaty
Visit Classroom Antarctica for some interesting and interactive activities on the Antarctic Treaty.
http://classroom.antarctica.gov.au/international/antarctic-treaty
Example activities:
 On a blank map of Antarctica mark in the territorial claims.
 Read a summary of the treaty and hold a classroom discussion.
 Design your own school treaty.
©ABC 2014
Imagine you are an Antarctic explorer
Provide students with the opportunity to think and behave like a scientist. Students will imagine
they are an explorer visiting Antarctica for the first time. Below is a suggested framework for their
research.
Preparation – make a list of what you will need to take with you on your
expedition. Consider clothing, food, scientific equipment, mode of
communication.
The journey – Organise your journey to Antarctica. Consider what modes of
transport you will use to get there and how long it will take. Plot your journey on a
map. Refer to this distance map to calculate approximately how far you need to
travel. Create an itinerary for your journey.
Living in Antarctica – Where will you be based in Antarctica? Describe the living
conditions. What are some of the challenges? Check out these live webcams to
get an idea of the conditions.
Reflection – Write a journal entry in your diary about your experiences. Title your
entry ‘A day in the life of a scientist living and working in Antarctica’.
Visit the Australian Antarctic Division’s website on living and working in Antarctica. This website is
an important reference for expeditioners before they depart for Antarctica, and anyone seeking
information on the unique challenges of living and working on station and in the field.
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working
Create a timeline
Create a timeline on the history of Australian expeditions to Antarctica. List an interesting fact for
each significant event listed on your timeline. Consider including photos and video. Use Dipity to
create your timeline. http://www.dipity.com/
Take a look at the ABC’s 100 years in Antarctica for a timeline of significant events.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/antarctic-summer/
1899
First Australian
steps ashore in
Antarctica
©ABC 2014
1911
Mawson leads
famed Antarctic
expedition
1990
Icebreaker Aurora
Australis launched
Citizen science
Turn your students into citizen scientists and get involved in monitoring penguins in Antarctica.
Penguin Watch
Scientists have travelled to some of the coldest areas on the planet to learn more about penguin
populations. Students can help annotate their images of wildlife in Antarctica and the Southern
Ocean. http://www.penguinwatch.org/
What is citizen science?
Citizen science is putting schools on the frontline of research, turning classrooms into labs and
pupils into pioneers. It’s a hands on approach which engages students to gather data, ask
questions and seek evidence for scientific decisions.
Teachers, refer to BtN’s story and resources on Citizen Science for more information on Citizen
Science and projects that your classroom can get involved in.
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3814896.htm
Animals living in Antarctica
Take a look at these ABC Splash activities which explore what it is like for
some of the animals that live in Antarctica. These activities include an
informative video and questions for inquiry before students view the video,
as they view and after viewing. Visit the ‘For Teachers’ tab for a detailed
listing of relevant curriculum links.
Penguin wave better than a group hug
Emperor penguins form a big, tightly packed huddle to keep
warm in Antarctica, the coldest and windiest continent on Earth.
But how do the ones on the outside of the huddle keep warm?
Find out about a clever way of ensuring that no penguin is left
out in the cold. http://splash.abc.net.au/media//m/1264621/penguin-wave-better-than-a-group-hug-
What’s polluting the whales?
Explore how chemical pollutants affect the Antarctic food web.
A scientist shows that baleen whales are consuming Antarctic
krill contaminated by accumulated residues of persistent
organic pollutants (POPs) from pesticides and industrial
chemicals. Find out why these pollutants are concentrated at
the Earth's polar regions. http://splash.abc.net.au/media//m/29799/chemical-pollutants-toxic-to-whales
©ABC 2014
Seals help climate research
Discover how seals are helping scientists study Antarctica,
polar regions, oceans and climate change. Scientists use
Weddell and southern elephant seals to gather data and
monitor the way currents move heat around the world's
oceans. http://splash.abc.net.au/media/-/m/30060/sealshelp-climate-research
Biography
Students brainstorm a list of questions about Sir Douglas Mawson. The graphic organiser below
will help them to structure the biography. Some possible questions include:
 Where and when was Sir Douglas Mawson born?
 Why is he famous?
 What did he do to become famous?
 How has he made an impact on others’ lives?
Discuss with students ways to publish their work. Some possibilities include; an oral presentation,
poster, short film or PowerPoint presentation. Students could create a Sir Douglas Mawson
biography gallery in their classroom.
Biography organiser
Sir Douglas Mawson
Personal
information
Important experiences
in his life
 Related Research Links
Behind the News – Antarctica
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2531168.htm
Australian Antarctic Division – Classroom Antarctica
http://classroom.antarctica.gov.au/
©ABC 2014
Achievements
Why he is
important
ABC News – Antarctic Summer
http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/antarctic-summer/
ABC News – More scientific funding, new icebreaker flagged in 20-year Antarctica strategy,
`crowd-sourced funding’ considered
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-10/more-funding-icebreaker-flagged-in-antarcticastrategy/5804654
Australian Antarctic Division – Education Resources
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/education-resources
Behind the News – Mawson Centenary
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3363014.htm
Time for Kids – Antarctica
http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/antarctica
National Geographic – Discover Antarctica
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/antarctica/
CSIRO – Antarctica Activities and Experiments
http://www.csiro.au/Portals/Education/Kids/Read-it/Polar-eyes/Antarctica-activities.aspx
©ABC 2014