Arctic & Antarctic Animals

Arctic Animals

This was my first year to do a unit with Arctic animals with my class. It was logical, considering we already created a milk jug igloo this year, so we were talking about how the people adapted to live in the cold climates.

This is just the start of our unit- I will be adding to it more as it continues!

Here is a webquest that I created on Arctic Animals. It includes short clips from National Geographic, photos, and kid-friendly facts. BrainPopJr. has a free video on Arctic Habitats.

We came back to school on a Thursday after winter break. We had no spelling words, no

reading story, and no math chapter to cover! After reviewing procedures, we got into science!

My teaching buddy from across the hall decided to pair up with me on this one. After she made a KWL chart with the kiddos, we started the hands-on discovery!

I also got out my globe and a flashlight. We had some student helpers come be the "sun" with the flashlight. We talked about the Earth's tilt, and the kids discovered where the most light hits at various points in the Earth's cycle around the sun.

Next, we talked about animal adaptations. We did a science experiment about blubber and how that insulates the animals. Volunteers came up and took turns experimenting which was better- sticking your bare hand in icy water or using a water proof, insulated glove in the water.

My class worked with the first grade class from across the hall to use rulers and draw the animals to scale. I created a packet of animal facts for them to use. Here is a copy. I also LOVE Babbling Abby's Penguin Unit! We will be going more in-depth to penguins later this month.

Here are some other useful links:

Arctic Animals K-3 Seaworld

Penguin Facts Coloring Book Page

Seals - EducaPoles - International Polar Foundation's educational site

Infrared Zoo Gallery

Food Chain Song

Penguin Body Parts-Seaworld

More to come soon!