Science In Antarctica

Purpose of activity:

1) To learn about all the many types of scientific research that are going on in Antarctica.

2) To learn about the geography of Antarctica.

3) To learn about the history of the exploration of Antarctica.

Description: The board for this game is a map of Antarctica. Players go on scientific missions using task cards (there are astronomers, marine biologists, zoologists, meteorologists, and geologists). Players move about the board using plastic circles that give them the range they can travel on whatever vehicle they rolled on the die: helicopter, airplane, snow mobile, or boat. The reference points on the map are actual research stations belonging to many countries: American, Britain, France, Japan, Australia, South Africa, India, Russia, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia.

Target age group: ages 8-16 (but could be played with younger, as well, especially if they have studied Antarctica recently)

Time allowance: 30 minutes to assemble (not counting photocopying time) and 45-60 to play (Game can be played more than once, as there are more than enough task cards for a second round.)

Materials needed: Copies of the pattern pages on white card stock (11 pages in all), one copy on a clear transparency sheet, scissors, clear tape, at least three permanent markers in different colors, and a blank wooden die (3/4" or 1") if you can get one (but if not, there is a paper die you can assemble)