Science in Antarctica

Overview

Learners from 6th – 12th grade will investigate different science projects in Antarctica through the PolarTREC and the USAP websites. They will then make a short PowerPoint (or similar) presentation to the rest of the class. Learners can work independently or in small groups.

Objective

Students will become familiar with the wide variety of science that occurs in Antarctica. Students will communicate the results of their investigation to the rest of the class using presentation software.

Preparation

Students need to know how to complete online research and to make computer-based presentations. Make copies of student directions and rubric.

Procedure

Engage:

Discussion with students.

• What kinds of science do you think are occurring in Antarctica?
• As students brainstorm you can write down their responses and begin some columns on the whiteboard distinguishing between biological investigations, meteorological investigations, geological investigations, etc. as students discuss possible scientific endeavors.
• Use the LCD projector, or students at individual computers if available, to go to the USAP website. From there they should click on the Researchers and Science Projects link on the left side of the main page. This will take them to a list of over 80 researchers doing science projects in Antarctica. Have students select a few researchers to click on and review what science they are doing.

Explore:

Students should now independently look for projects that interest them and that they would like to investigate further. For this project, with high school students, I would do independent research projects. However, if you want to have students in pairs or in a small group, you could also do that. Students will explore the website, choose an investigation, and begin their research using the directions given. Teachers are able to modify the provided directions and rubric as needed. For high school students, I would start the investigation in class, make sure they understand the directions and how they will be evaluated with the rubric, and then give them several days to a week to complete the assignment at home. For students without a computer and/or internet access at home or the ability to get to a public library, print out necessary pages for their research and accept an oral presentation.

Explain:

Students will present the scientific investigation they researched to the rest of the class. Students will ask questions after the presentation.

Extend:

Students can contact the Principal Investigators and/or graduate students that are involved with the project they are investigating. They can ask questions or seek clarification for their presentations. They could conduct phone interviews and include that information in their presentation as well.

Evaluation:

Use included rubric.

Extension

Students can contact the Principal Investigators and/or graduate students that are involved with the project they are investigating. They can ask questions or seek clarification for their presentations. They could conduct phone interviews and include that information in their presentation as well.

Resources

Students can begin with the USAP website and then select the link for “Researchers and Science Projects”.

From there they can learn basics about the investigation and follow other links to learn more about their chosen project.

Other resources include the PolarTREC website where teachers have been involved with a wide variety of science projects.

Assessment

See rubric. This rubric is very rudimentary.

Please add characteristics as desired, and share with Mindy at mindyscience [at] gmail.com if you are willing to get it posted on this website.

Credits

Mindy Bell created this lesson because she was so amazed by the wide variety of scientific research being conducted in Antarctica.

You can contact Mindy with questions or comments at mindyscience [at] gmail.com.