Iceberg. Photo: Knowles Kerry

The ideas in Classroom Antarctica will stimulate your students' interest in real-world applications for science, mathematics and studies of society and environment. Antarctica is a place of fascination for young and old alike - use this inspiring setting to engage your students in learning.

The activities can be used to enhance writing, literature, art, team building and creative thinking skills in your students as well. The activities focus on the study of significant environmental and social issues from a global perspective and promote an appreciation of the important role of Australians in Antarctica. They will encourage students to think critically about the key issues currently facing Antarctica - climate change, tourism, whaling, fishing, mineral exploitation, resource management and the impact of humans on the environment.

Using the resources provided by the Australian Antarctic Division's website, and some other very fine websites, we have been able to capitalise on the great supporting materials developed by many others, minimising the research you need to do and materials you need to develop.

The websites quoted within the units are to save you, and your students, valuable online and teaching time.

While you might only have time to visit the suggested sites, encourage your students to develop their own links. Encourage them to create their own theme web page on Antarctica - it’s a lot of fun and a great way to present and share a final learning product.

Directions for simple web page building and necessary tools are available in many different locations on the web. Have a look at 'Link Up', an Australian Broadcasting Corporation Internet site about web design for children.

We will strive to add to and improve upon our site as new ideas and information become available. Teachers and students are encouraged to provide us with suggestions for improving the content and style of materials in this Education Kit, or on the Australian Antarctic Division's website, through the school queries contact form.

Teacher resource kits are available from the Australian Antarctic Division. The kit includes posters, stickers, maps and brochures.  Email schoolmail@aad.gov.au or phone 03 6232 3512 with your school's postal address and the year level of your students. There is no charge, but they are only available within Australia and its territories.

Disclaimer: Please note that while the Australian Antarctic Division has viewed the hyperlinks in this Guide, we do not accept any liability and/or responsibility for any information, communications or services provided by any of the sites visited, or any subsequent hyperlinks.