20825_Global_Geography_Year_3_Climate_zones

Polar climate zones
Lesson objectives
XXIdentifying the location of countries that experience a polar climate and their proximity to majors lines of latitude
XXExamining climate data from four countries in the polar climate zones to identify similarities and differences between
countries in polar ice cap and tundra regions, and briefly comparing this to a population density map
Lesson plan
Introduction
XXGo to and click on the map of the
world to display the four major climate zones. Discuss the location
of the polar climate zone in relation to the major lines of latitude.
In pairs, students use Google Earth and a note-taking app (Notes)
to list as many countries in the polar climate zone as possible in
five minutes.
Development
XXIn groups of four, allocate one of the following countries to each
student—Russia, Canada, Greenland and Finland. Individually,
students use Google Earth to locate their allocated country and
record it’s location on page 33. Students then use the QR code or
URL on page 33 to locate and record general climate information
for their country, and specific climate data for three cities in their
country.
XXAs a class, watch the video Polar climate zone: Ice caps and tundra
at . Students use a T-chart to record
information about each climate region.
XXIn their groups, students share their research and draw conclusions
about the weather and climate in the polar climate zone. Students
then use Google Earth to locate the four countries and discuss the
colouration of each to determine what the white represents, and
which countries they think are covered by polar ice caps.
XXIn their groups, students use a video camera app or presentation
app of their choice to explain the weather and climate in the polar
region. Students take turns to describe the weather and climate
in the country they researched and provide their opinion about
whether they could live in countries located in the polar climate
zone.
Conclusion
XXDisplay the World population density map from 2001 at . Explain that the map shows the population
compared to the area of land. In pairs, students discuss how
climate may contribute to the low population density of countries
in the polar zone.
Resources
XXWorld map—four major climate zones
XXGoogle Earth
XXiPad ® /tablet with QR scanner, a notetaking
app (Notes) and a video camera
or selection of presentation apps
XXPage 33
XXVideo—Polar climate zone: Ice caps and
tundra
XXWorld map—population density 2001
Travelling further
Students watch a video about
climate research in Antarctica
at .
Students decide if they are
for or against the researchers
drilling into the ice sheets to
assist with data collection,
then create a digital or
written persuasive news
article using their opinion
about the research.
Curriculum links
HASS Knowledge and Understanding
The main climate types of the world and the similarities and differences between the climates of different places
(ACHASSK068)
HASS Inquiry and Skills
Questioning Researching Analysing
• Locates and collects
information from Google
Earth, websites and
videos
• Records, sorts and
represents data using a
Y-chart and a format of their
choice
• Interprets maps and
graphs to describe patterns
between countries in the
polar climate zone, major
lines of latitude, vegetation
and population density
Evaluating and
reflecting
• Draws simple conclusions
from climate data to identify
characteristics of the polar
climate zone
• Interacts with others
respectfully to share
points of view about living
in countries with polar
climates
Communicating
• Communicates
understanding using a video
or presentation app of their
choice
32YYear 3A AC GLOBAL GEOGRAPHYw www.ricpublications.com.auI