This document provides an introduction to Antarctica including what makes it an important place, its location, and climate. Key points include: - Antarctica is the world's largest wilderness that has not been spoiled by humans. It is also very beautiful with the cleanest air on the planet. Scientists can learn about the history of our planet from its undisturbed, frozen state. - Antarctica's average winter temperature is -12°C with the coldest month being June. Average wind speeds are highest in August at 28 kph. - 44 countries work together through an international agreement to protect Antarctica, demonstrating how nations can cooperate.

1. Introduction to Antarctica
Why is it such an important place?
What is the temperature like?
Where is it?

2. Learning about Antarctica?
I have just the thing to get
you in the mood….watch
this video and see why this
is the most amazing
continent in the world.
Antarctica

3. Turn to the person next to you and see if you
can think of any reasons why Antarctica is such an
important biome?
Me of
course!!
Hold on a
minute…
…what
about
me!!

4. Put the sub-heading….Why is Antarctica so important? Make a
note of the following key points:
• It is the world’s _____ great wilderness. __________ have
not yet spoiled it.
First, Animals Last, Humans
• It is very ________ with the cleanest ____ on the planet.
Ugly, people Beautiful, Air
• It is undisturbed, and frozen, ________ can learn a lot from it.
For example they can learn about the history of our _______.
Scientists, Planet Birds, Planet
• 44 countries work together to __________ Antarctica which
means it is a symbol of how nations can work in ________.
Protect, Harmony Watch, Unity

5. Put the title ‘Antarctica’ in your books?
Does anyone know where Antarctica is?

6. 7
Atlantic Ocean
South Pacific
Ocean
Indian
Ocean
Label some
of the
different
features onto
your map.

7. Rothera
Research
Station
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mean
Temperat
ure (˚c)
1 0 -2 -4 -5 -12 -11 -10 -7 -3 -1 -1
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kph)
17 22 26 22 20 15 22 28 20 30 19 22
Complete the climate graph for Antarctica using the template to help
you:
What is the climate like in Antarctica?

8. Here’s one I made earlier
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Months
Temperature and wind speed in Antarctica
Mean Temperature (˚c)
Mean Wind Speed (Kph)

9. Describe what your graph shows:
Antarctica is the coldest spot on the planet. In fact, the lowest
temperature ever recorded on Earth was recorded there at -89.6 ˚c.
The coldest month is …………….with an average temperature
of…………… The winter in Antarctica is our summer.
The winds are commonly measured at up to 300 km per hour. The
windiest month is ………………with an average wind speed of…………..
Antarctica is often described as a desert as it is one of the driest
places on Earth. Snowfalls are equivalent to only 150mm of rain per
year at the South pole.
Think back to the Tropical Rainforest – how does this compare?

10. TASK: Imagine you are going to work in Antarctica for
six months. You are not allowed to take any plants and
animals with you. What 10 items would you make sure
were in your suitcase?
Watch this:
Did you get all those essential items of clothing?