PUTTING ANTARCTICA ON THE MAP

Take a day, a week, or a whole month to examine the evolution of mapping techniques and how they reflect humanity’s developing understanding of the planet.

• If you want teacher strategies, assessment, and a schedule for the unit, start with Curriculum Materials. Then download all the activities (with handouts) and readings.
• If you want stand-alone, hands-on, or research on the Web activities and don't need teacher strategies to go with them, go directly to Activities.
• If you want accessible content readings that will help your students connect to mapping techniques, go straight to Articles. You'll find interviews with real scientists as well as content readings written by or about Antarctic researchers.

		Putting Antarctica on the Map Curriculum Materials for grades 7 through 10 How has our ability to map Antarctica changed in the past 100 years? Do a little exploring of your own, and see what we've learned since Roald Amundsen raced to reach the South Pole first.
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		Research on the Web: Maps Through History Activity for grades 6 through 12 At one time, Antarctica was thought to be a land of tropical riches. Discover for yourself how our knowledge of the South Pole—and our map-making techniques—have changed over time.
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		Understanding Exploration Activity for grades 6 through 12 Compass, dog sled, telephone, computer, Global Positioning System (GPS)—which of these technological advances has made the biggest contribution to Antarctic exploration? Take our research challenge.
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		Excerpt: At the Pole by Roald Amundsen Article for grades 6 through 12 As a child, Amundsen dreamed of exploring the North Pole. Yet it is his discovery of the South Pole for which he is best known. Read Amundsen's exciting account of his groundbreaking expedition.
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		Excerpt: The Voyage of the James Caird by Ernest Shackleton Article for grades 6 through 12 Just one day away from Antarctica, Shackleton's ship was crushed and destroyed. Yet his ingenuity and bravery helped save the crew. Read about his 800-mile voyage in a lifeboat to go find help.
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		Let's Talk with Donal Manahan about Antarctica's Early Explorers Article for grades 6 through 12 The first time Manahan walked into Scott's primitive 1902 hut, still sitting out on the Antarctic ice, he couldn't help but see how similar their work was despite their very different base camps.
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		Letter from Stephanie: Antarctic Exploration Article for grades 6 through 12 While its existence had been predicted for thousands of years, Antarctica was the very last continent discovered. Learn about its first explorers—and the teamwork that exists there today.
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