Antarctica Journeys to the South Pole
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Brings to life the dramatic race to the South Pole, tracking its famous explorers--including James Cook, Ernest Shackleton, and Richard Evelyn Bird--and the dangers they encountered there, as well as their contributions to science. Walter Dean Myers presents a thrilling record of Antarctica and the expedition parties that uncovered the frozen continent. Myers describes the extreme climate conditions in Antarctica, the wildlife, the whaling and merchant sailing industries that took root there, and the various exploration parties. He depicts the heroism and adventure of the expeditions using photos, maps, and illustrations to complement the text.
Age
9-12
Length
134 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like living in Antarctica compared to where we live?
Why do you think explorers are interested in visiting such a cold and remote place?
How do the animals in Antarctica adapt to the harsh conditions?
What can we do to help protect environments like Antarctica that are far from where we live?
If you were an explorer, what would you want to discover about Antarctica?
Tip: Role play these questions
To engage your child in a meaningful conversation about 'Antarctica Journeys to the South Pole,' start by sharing what interests you about Antarctica. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think critically about the content and relate it to broader environmental and exploratory themes. Validate their thoughts and feelings, and connect their responses to the importance of global awareness and scientific curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book details the adventurous journeys to Antarctica, sparking curiosity about the unknown and the importance of exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore new subjects, environments, and cultures in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Explorers in the book face challenging conditions yet continue their journey, showcasing the values of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in solving a tough academic problem or resolving a conflict with peers.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book discusses Antarctica’s unique ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of preserving such pristine environments.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take actions that support environmental conservation, like recycling or conserving water and electricity.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The expeditions to the South Pole require coordinated efforts by a team, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Promotes collaborative skills in children, encouraging them to work effectively in group settings at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: History and Geography Knowledge
Explanation: Readers learn about the historical context of exploration and the geographical features of the South Pole.
Real-World Application: Enhances children’s understanding of world history and geography, aiding them in their academic subjects and broadening their global perspective.