Antarctica

Antarctica Overview  How and why has human activity affected the world and its environments?  How did humans impact on Antarctica in the past, and do we impact today in the same or different ways? In this unit of work students investigate Australia’s involvement in Antarctica. They research the significance of Antarctica and the related environmental issues. Working in teams and partnerships, using data and comparative studies to make projections and hypotheses regarding the future. Students return to the curriculum framing questions throughout the unit to guide their debate and research.

Antarctica Vision for the unit  Students will be challenged to assess human intervention on Antarctica. In particular:  Why is this area important?  Why and how is it vulnerable?  Students will be involved in:  Research  Comparative studies  Critical thinking  Debates and role plays  Creating web based and print communications “This unit should help students to understand the significance of global environmental issues, a subject so much in the public eye, that they may well “turn off”. Through research and role play, the unit will generate real engagement with the topic and deeper thought and communication.”

Antarctica Gauging Student Needs  Students view a DVD on Antarctica “Wildest Antarctica”  Students complete a KWL chart. Information gained from the KWL chart will be used to inform the teaching and learning activities undertaken as part of this unit.

Antarctica Curriculum Framing Questions Essential Question  How do humans impact on an environment? Unit Questions  Why is Antarctica important to us? Content Questions  Where is Antarctica?  What are its natural attributes?  How is Antarctica changing?  What has been the effect of human activities, particularly Australian, on Antarctica?  Who explored Antarctica in the past and why?  What do scientists research in Antarctica?  What were/are the difficulties in exploring Antarctica?

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