Teacher:
Class level: Yr 7–8
Context: Antarctica
Big idea or question:
What are some of the considerations for people living, researching and working in Antarctica?
Possible authentic challenges
Mix and match challenges according to the Achievement Objectives (AOs) chosen. The challenges below are indicative of some of the possibilities and are intended to stimulate interest in Antarctica. Depending on student prior knowledge, explicit teaching of knowledge may be needed so that the challenge can be successfully completed on time and to an acceptable presentation standard. One activity may be teacher directed to show the process of working through the learning stages below, then other activities may be completed by student groups or individuals depending on interest, prior knowledge and self-management skill.
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Detail a training and preparation plan to be completed before leaving Scott Base for a 3- week field study at Cape Bird Hut, Ross Island.
- Who would check the training and how many hours would be required for each section?
- If instructors were paid $25 per hour, calculate the total cost to Scott Base, including food and fuel at your local retailer prices.
- Assume five trainees, one instructor and emergencies. For more information, field and first-aid manuals check out the Antarctica New Zealand website.
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List a menu for five people staying at Cape Bird Hut, Ross Island, for 3 weeks.
- Include quantities, weights (in pounds and kilograms for the aircraft loadmaster), cost, and a transport/storage container. Remember, a minimum of grey water.
- Need some help on this challenge?
Check out the FutureinTech website or contact your area FutureinTech Facilitator.
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Design your own penguin study.
- What would you sample for and why?
- If there was equipment to be developed, include a transportation enclosure, machine specification, and protocols for reducing animal stress and environmental contamination.
- Need help with electronic solutions using student programmable ' PICAXE' integrated circuits for data logging and electronic device control? The ETITO Bright Sparks competition may be of help to motivate and mentor students.
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Design a set of clothing suitable for use in an Antarctica summer season.
- It should be able to be worn by various sized researchers, both male and female.
- Detail research into fabrics, features and manufacturing techniques that demonstrate understanding of fair testing.
- Include a kit bag to stow all of the garments together, keep them clean and dry, plus detail total weight (pounds and kilograms) for the aircraft loadmaster.
- You may wish to enter this project for a CREST Award.
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Design a penguin flag to be placed in front of the PenguinScience penguin-cam at Cape Royds.
- It may indicate wind direction and speed, and tell a story about your class/school.
- Describe how the final design was achieved, how the flag was calibrated for wind speed, and demonstrate fair testing understanding.
- Address to:
Attn: Jean Pennycook
USAP
Event B-031
Cape Royds
McMurdo Station
- Address the outer envelope/wrapping of flags to:
Attn: Paul Woodgate
Antarctica New Zealand
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Rd
Private Bag 4757
Christchurch 8053
NEW ZEALAND
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New Zealanders, before mailing items to Antarctica New Zealand, email Paul Woodgate, letting him know the flags are on their way, and he will put them into the Scott Base mail system.
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Other countries’ students, please follow the instructions on the www.penguinscience.com website.
- The flag needs to arrive by 31 December. Please enclose a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the flag. Check out Penguin Science: Penguins marching into the classroom for more details.
- You may wish to enter this project for a CREST Award.
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Design Adélie penguin postcard and have it posted to you from Antarctica.
- Address it to yourself, put it in an envelope
- Address the outer envelope/wrapping of postcards to:
Attn: Paul Woodgate
Antarctica New Zealand
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Rd
Private Bag 4757
Christchurch 8053
NEW ZEALAND
- Include postage for Ross Dependency stamps on postcards to be returned to New Zealand at New Zealand rates (i.e. $0.50 for each postcard). Make cheques out to Armed Forces Canteen Council (AFCC)
- New Zealanders, before mailing items to Antarctica New Zealand, email Paul Woodgate, letting him know postcards and/or flags are on their way, and Paul will put them into the Scott Base mail system.
- Other countries’ students, please follow the instructions on the Penguin Science: Penguins marching into the classroom website.
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Using Windows Movie Maker, make a time-lapse movie of an event.
- The event may include a flag, sunshadow, tide, student movement in a class, and so on.
- See Making Movies and Penguin Science for a time-lapse movie example.
More »
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Construct a time-lapse camera trigger using a PICAXE to actuate a radio-controlled model servo-motor.
More »
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Subsidary questions
- How has modern technology changed the way research is conducted in Antarctica?
- What rules do people going to Antarctica have to follow today? Who makes them up and how? What are the reasons for each of these rules?
- How have attitudes and values about Antarctica changed over the time humans have been visiting the continent?
