Antarctica – literacy learning links
This teacher resource lists selected articles from the Connected and School Journal reading series that support the science concepts when teaching about Antarctica. Under each title is a list of supporting articles and other resources from Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao. A reminder that each of the supporting resources will also have links to additional content.
Connected and School Journal resources are produced for New Zealand primary and intermediate schools by the Ministry of Education. They are available to New Zealand schools in print and digital form (use the search function in the Literacy (inc. Instructional Series) section of the Tāhūrangi website.
An aerial view of Scott Base
Scott Base is Aotearoa new Zealand’s sole Antarctic research station. Many of its building are linked by all-weather corridors. Mt Erebus can be seen in the background.
The article Literacy through science has suggestions on how to integrate science with literacy to enhance learning in both areas.
Beyond Imagination
Beyond Imagination by Victoria Meduna, School Journal Level 4, June 2023.
The author recounts her visits to Antarctica, what she has learned with each visit, and what the continent is telling us about climate change.
Supporting resources
Investigating sea level rise – activity
Endurance
Endurance by Paul Mason, School Journal Story Library.
This book recounts the incredible survival story that followed Ernest Shackleton’s failed attempt to cross Antarctica in 1914.
Supporting resources
Crevasse
Crevasses can vary in width and depth, but most have steep vertical walls. All crevasses can pose safety risks for people working in Antarctica.
Science on the Ice
Science on the Ice by Neil Silverwood, School Journal Level 4, 2018.
The author provides insights into the challenges of field work and why it is so important that scientists gather this data.
Supporting resources
Investigating sea level rise – activity
Melting glacial ice – activity
Captured in Ice
Captured in Ice by Veronika Meduna, Connected Level 3, 2017.
Glaciologist Nancy Bertler collects ice cores to learn how Earth’s climate has changed over time.
Supporting resources
The ANDRILL operation
Professor Tim Naish and the multinational ANDRILL operation team drilled nearly 1,300 m below the Ross Ice Shelf. He explains how examining a sediment core is like reading pages in a history book.
The Big Chill and the Big Drill
The Big Chill and the Big Drill by Rupert Alchin, Connected Level 1 and 2, 2008.
ANDRILL scientists drill into the Antarctic seabed to learn about Antarctica’s climate and how it has changed from ancient times.
Supporting resources
Who’s Eating Who?
Who’s Eating Who? by Bronwen Wall, Connected Level 4, 2012.
The article covers Antarctic food webs and animal adaptations for life in an icy ecosystem.
Supporting resources
Making a food web – activity
An Ecologist on Ice
An Ecologist on Ice by Matt Vance, Connected Number 4, 2013.
Phil Lyver is a wildlife ecologist who studies Adélie penguin population dynamics and the marine ecosystem in the Ross Sea. Phil uses the same data-recording systems as Dr Amy Whitehead, featured in the Nigel Latta in Antarctica video series.
Supporting resources
Gather Your Data
Gather Your Data by Rex Bartholomew, Connected Number 4, 2013.
This article explains the functions and uses of data loggers and tags.
Supporting resources
59.5 Degrees South
59.5 Degrees South by Sarah Wilcox, School Journal Level 3, August 2013.
This article provides information on Argo floats. These devices measure ocean currents, temperature and salinity.
Supporting resources
Frozen Food
Frozen Food by Philippa Werry, School Journal Part 4 Number 1, 2006.
Read about what it is like to be a chef in Antarctica, where most of the food is delivered once a year.
Supporting resources
Activity idea
Compare the author’s diary entries with weekly blog posts from those who sailed on the research ship Tangaroa. Record similarities and differences between these two journeys – 25 years apart.
Related content
Weather – literacy learning links contains a selection of weather-related articles from the and series, along with supporting Hub resources.
Check out our entire range of Connected articles here. We’ve curated them by topic and concepts.
The article Literacy through science has suggestions on how to integrate science with literacy to enhance learning in both areas. We also have the topic Literacy through science.
Useful links
Connected uses contextual issues to promote scientific, technological and mathematical literacy, search. Got to the Literacy (inc. Instructional Series) section of the Tāhūrangi website and search by title or "Connected".
School Journal supports students in years 4–8 to meet the reading demands of all New Zealand curriculum areas.
The Connected and School Journal teacher support materials are accessed through the Journal Surf website. A subscription login is required.
The Connected journals can be ordered from the Down the Back of the Chair website. Access to these resources is restricted to Ministry-approved education providers. To find out if you are eligible for a login or if you have forgotten your login details, contact their customer services team on 0800 660 662 or email orders@thechair.education.govt.nz.
Returning to a green Antarctica is a comic by Simone Giovanardi and Bella Duncan. It explains why Antarctica once looked more like South Island’s West Coast beech forests than the frozen continent we know today.
