Welcome to the 9th - 12th Grade Page!
The following lesson plans were designed by UNCW student Samantha Fisher in 2018-2019 to meet several Next Generation Science Standards and 21st Century Learning Standards. This curriculum was designed to be completed in five 90-minute class periods; however, it can be supplemented or modified to meet the needs of a particular class. Each lesson includes a PowerPoint presentation, a daily pacing guide with additional information for the instructor, and at least one activity.
Lesson Plan & Instructional Materials
This folder contains a copy of the lesson plans, guided notes, guided notes answer key, and potential test questions that correspond with this curriculum. Please find the files needed for each lesson by clicking the links below.
Lesson One: Introduction to the Polar Regions
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the polar regions. Students will be able to identify these regions on a map and be able to recognize major geographical locations. They will also be able to compare and contrast the polar regions, including their location, geographic regions, climate, residents, and geopolitical status. At the conclusion of the lesson, students will complete a worksheet that summarizes this introductory information.
Links: Worksheet, Worksheet with Key, Introduction to Polar Regions Powerpoint, Pacing Guide
Lesson Two: Physical Environment of Antarctica
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the physical environment of Antarctica. Students will be able to discuss sea ice and sea ice related phenomena, distinguish the differences between East Antarctica and West Antarctica, and discuss various geographical locations. At the conclusion of the lesson, students will use a worksheet to explore the geography of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Links: Exploring Antarctica Worksheet, Worksheet Key, Physical Environment Powerpoint, Pacing Guide
Lesson Three: Animals of the Antarctic
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the animals of Antarctica. Students will be able to identify common misconceptions about the animals that reside in the polar regions and why these misconceptions occur. They will also be able to recognize organisms that comprise the basis of the Antarctic food chain, marine mammals, fish, and penguins and discuss the adaptations that these organisms have for survival. At the conclusion of this lesson, students will research an Antarctic species of their choice.
Links: Animals of the Antarctic Powerpoint, Animals Worksheet, Pacing Guide
Lesson Four: Human Exploration of Antarctica
In this lesson, students will learn about the history of human exploration in Antarctica. Students will be able to recall details about historical expeditions and their findings, explain the importance of human exploration, and give details about recent human activity in Antarctica. At the conclusion of this lesson, students will learn about current research bases and discover the research of a real Antarctic scientist.
Links: Researcher Perspective Activity, Research Perspective Activity Key, WebQuest Research Stations, WebQuest Research Stations Key, Human Exploration Powerpoint, Pacing Guide
Lesson Five: Climate Change and the Polar Regions
In this lesson, students will learn about climate change and how it is impacting the polar regions. Students will be able to identify how the climate is changing in these regions, indicate ways in which humans are impacting these changes, and list strategies that can be used to reduce the impact of climate change on the polar regions. At the conclusion of the lesson, students will reflect on their personal ecological footprints and find ways to modify their behaviors to become more environmentally friendly.
Links: Climate Change Powerpoint, Ecological Footprint Activity, Ecological Footprint Activity Key, Pacing Guide