Exploring Antarctica: Extreme Environment, Diverse Disciplines

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Exploring Antarctica: Extreme Environment, Diverse Disciplines

Grade 5EnglishMathScienceArt5 days

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3.0 (1 rating)

This project-based learning experience invites fifth-grade students to comprehensively explore Antarctica's extreme environment across various disciplines, including English, math, science, and art. Through inquiry-driven activities and creative expression, students investigate the continent's unique geography, environmental interactions, and the impact of human activities and climate change on its ecosystem. They engage in research and model development, leveraging math to solve practical problems and art to convey their understanding, ultimately producing projects that demonstrate their insight and propose solutions. The project culminates in a reflection on how their initial perceptions of Antarctica have evolved and what actions can help preserve this crucial region.

AntarcticaExtreme EnvironmentInterdisciplinaryClimate ChangeCreative ExpressionInquiry-Based LearningEnvironmental Responsibility

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we integrate our knowledge across different subjects to understand Antarctica as an extreme environment, and creatively express solutions to the challenges it poses to wildlife, scientists, and the world?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the unique physical and geographical features of Antarctica?
How do scientists conduct research in such an extreme environment?
What adaptations do animals in Antarctica have to survive the harsh climate?
In what ways does the Antarctic climate impact global weather patterns?
How can we creatively express our understanding of Antarctica through art?
What mathematical concepts can we apply to understand the scale and distances related to Antarctica?
How does human activity affect the Antarctic ecosystem?
What can Antarctica teach us about climate change and environmental responsibility?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will identify and describe the unique physical and geographical features of Antarctica.
Students will analyze how scientists conduct research in Antarctica’s extreme environment.
Students will investigate and explain the adaptations that enable Antarctic animals to survive.
Students will examine the impact of the Antarctic climate on global weather patterns.
Students will evaluate the effects of human activity on the Antarctic ecosystem.
Students will learn about climate change and environmental responsibility through the study of Antarctica.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1

Primary

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.Reason: Students will explore and express their understanding of Antarctica through writing assignments, articulating their perspective and supporting their viewpoints with information gathered during the project.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.A.1

Secondary

Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system, and use these conversions in solving multi-step real-world problems.Reason: By applying mathematical concepts to set distances and scales related to Antarctica, students meet this standard through practical application.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3

Secondary

Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.Reason: This standard is applied as students analyze texts regarding historical and scientific exploration in Antarctica and make connections about its significance and impact.

Next Generation Science Standards

NGSS.5-ESS2-1

Primary

Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.Reason: Understanding the interaction between Antarctica's physical features and climate fits this standard, allowing students to model these interactions and their global impact.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Explorer's Challenge

Present students with a virtual reality experience of navigating the harsh terrains of Antarctica, facing real challenges explorers encounter. Challenge them to design their own expedition equipped with tools, routes, and survival tactics to overcome these adversities.

Antarctic Survival Summit

Host a mock summit where students represent different countries discussing territorial claims, resource management, and preservation of Antarctica. Engage them in debates and negotiations to draft a Student Accord guiding Antarctic conservation efforts.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Icebound Evidence Expedition

Students gather and organize evidence supporting their opinion about Antarctica’s features or challenges. This builds research skills and critical analysis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research sources including articles, videos, and books on your chosen Antarctic topic.

2. Use a graphic organizer to compile your findings and categorize evidence into facts, statistics, and expert opinions.

3. Verify source authenticity and relevance to ensure collected data effectively backs your opinion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn evidence portfolio with cited resources corroborating the stated opinion.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.b by encouraging research-backed opinions.

Activity 2

Model the Chill: An Antarctic Ecosystem

Students create a model to demonstrate the interaction of Antarctica’s geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. This activity makes abstract scientific interactions tangible.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a specific interaction (e.g., glacier formation and impact on ocean currents).

2. Design a physical or digital model to represent how these systems interact in the chosen scenario.

3. Present your model to the class, explaining the significance of these interactions globally.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed model showcasing the intertwined relationships of Antarctica's natural systems.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligned with NGSS.5-ESS2-1 by developing models to explain geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere interactions.

Activity 3

Antarctic Art Showcase

Leverage artistic expression to convey understanding of Antarctic themes, such as climate impact and wildlife adaptation. Integrates creativity with scientific study.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify a theme such as the harsh climate or animal adaptations discussed during the lessons.

2. Choose an art form—painting, sculpture, or digital art—to express your understanding of the theme.

3. Use art techniques to symbolize your insights and share a narrative or message through your creation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn artistic representation capturing key aspects learned about Antarctica.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCombines understanding of climate and adaptations with artistic creativity, tying together learning objectives creatively.

Activity 4

Mathematicians of the Ice

Apply mathematical concepts by calculating and converting distances or scales related to Antarctica, fostering numeric literacy and practical problem-solving.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a real-world scenario, like calculating distances between research stations or the scale of icebergs.

2. Convert different measurements—such as kilometers to miles or inches to centimeters—using practiced conversion techniques.

3. Solve multi-step problems that require consecutive conversions or calculations to boost critical thinking.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activitySolutions and justifications for mathematical problems set in the Antarctic context.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRelevant to CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.A.1 by engaging with real-world measurement conversion tasks.

Activity 5

Antarctica's Impact: A Global Perspective

Students explore how events and phenomena in Antarctica affect global systems, supporting understanding of climate change and environmental stewardship.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Read and analyze texts related to Antarctic climate and geography affecting global weather patterns.

2. Write an essay explaining how these interactions reflect broader environmental issues.

3. Propose solutions or actions to mitigate negative impacts informed by your research.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive essay connecting Antarctic events to global environmental patterns.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3 by explaining interactions and developing actionable insights.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Antarctica Exploration and Expression Rubric

Category 1

Research and Critical Analysis

Evaluates the ability to research, organize, and critically analyze information sourced for understanding Antarctica's environment, fauna, and global impacts.

Criterion 1

Evidence Compilation

Measures the thoroughness and accuracy of gathering supporting evidence from credible sources.

Exemplary

4 Points

Gathers a diverse range of credible sources, providing a comprehensive and in-depth collection of evidence.

Proficient

3 Points

Compiles sufficient evidence from a variety of credible sources, supporting the stated opinion effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Collects some evidence from mostly reliable sources but lacks diversity and depth in information gathering.

Beginning

1 Points

Gathers minimal or mostly irrelevant evidence, often from unreliable sources.

Criterion 2

Critical Interpretation

Assesses the capacity to interpret and explain the significance of Antarctic phenomena in a global context.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents complex interpretations of Antarctic phenomena, making clear and innovative connections globally.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear interpretations, successfully making connections between Antarctic phenomena and global impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Offers basic interpretations with some attempts at connecting local and global impacts.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to interpret Antarctic phenomena meaningfully or relate them to global contexts.

Criterion 3

Source Evaluation

Evaluates the effectiveness of verifying sources for authenticity and relevance in supporting findings.

Exemplary

4 Points

Critically evaluates all sources, ensuring high authenticity and relevance, contributing to a nuanced claim.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively evaluates most sources, ensuring their relevance and moderate authenticity.

Developing

2 Points

Reviews sources superficially, with occasional checks for authenticity and relevance.

Beginning

1 Points

Rarely evaluates sources, using unreliable or irrelevant information frequently.

Category 2

Scientific Modeling and Application

Assesses the skills in developing and explaining models of Antarctica’s ecological and environmental interactions.

Criterion 1

Model Development

Evaluates the creativity and scientific accuracy in model creation demonstrating Antarctic interactions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops intricate models demonstrating a deep understanding of complex ecosystem interactions with high accuracy.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates well-structured models accurately depicting key ecosystem interactions with minor inaccuracies.

Developing

2 Points

Constructs basic models of ecosystem interactions with noticeable inaccuracies or omissions.

Beginning

1 Points

Produces incomplete or unclear models that fail to illustrate accurate interactions.

Criterion 2

Scientific Explanation

Assesses ability to articulate environmental interactions and their global significance through model presentations.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides clear, insightful explanations connecting models to complex global phenomena significantly.

Proficient

3 Points

Explains models effectively with clear links to global environmental phenomena.

Developing

2 Points

Offers basic explanations with some connections to broader environmental issues.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to articulate the significance of models or connect them to global ideas.

Category 3

Creative Expression and Art Integration

Evaluates the creative expression of understanding Antarctic themes using various art forms.

Criterion 1

Artistic Interpretation

Assesses the originality and depth of artistic expression related to Antarctic themes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates highly original and profound art pieces reflecting deep thematic understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Produces original art pieces depicting solid understanding of Antarctic themes with minor artistic limitations.

Developing

2 Points

Creates basic art projects with emerging thematic representation and limited originality.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to convey themes or creativity in artistic execution.

Criterion 2

Symbolism and Technique

Measures the effectiveness in using symbols and art techniques to convey insights about Antarctica.

Exemplary

4 Points

Employs advanced symbols and techniques, effectively conveying complex insights and messages.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses appropriate symbols and techniques to convey clear insights, though occasionally lacking depth.

Developing

2 Points

Applies basic symbols and techniques with limited expression of insights.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows minimal use of symbolism or technique, resulting in unclear insights.

Category 4

Mathematical Application and Problem Solving

Evaluates the ability to apply mathematical concepts in solving real-world problems related to Antarctica.

Criterion 1

Measurement Conversion Skill

Assesses accuracy and fluency in converting measurements relevant to Antarctic scenarios.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately performs complex conversions consistently with no errors, demonstrating mathematical fluency.

Proficient

3 Points

Successfully carries out necessary conversions with few errors, showing solid mathematical understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Completes basic conversions with multiple errors, indicating emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Frequently struggles with conversions, with many errors requiring support.

Criterion 2

Multi-step Problem Solving

Evaluates the skill in solving multi-step problems involving Antarctic measurements and data.

Exemplary

4 Points

Resolves complex, multi-step problems accurately, demonstrating exceptional logical and computational skills.

Proficient

3 Points

Solves multi-step problems with accuracy, demonstrating solid problem-solving skills and understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Approaches multi-step problems with some success, facing challenges in logic and execution.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with multi-step problems, lacking logical sequencing and accurate solutions.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflecting on your learning journey, how has your understanding of Antarctica as an extreme environment changed during this unit?

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Question 2

In what ways do you think human activity affects the Antarctic ecosystem? What actions could be taken to mitigate these effects?

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