Earth's Poles in Peril
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Question Sheet: Earth's Poles in Peril

SCIENCE

Before reading:

1. This year has been deemed International Polar Year. What do you think that title means? What might scientists study during International Polar Year?
2. How does global warming affect the Earth's poles?

During reading:

1. Why have the polar regions changed drastically?
2. What is the difference between the Arctic and Antarctic?
3. Exactly how have the polar ice masses changed in recent years?
4. How will the melting of the ice masses affect the oceans and the rest of the world?
5. What have scientists found using underwater robots?
6. Can someone like you help protect the polar regions? How?

After reading:

1. Why might a person assume that the North Pole and South Pole are more similar than they actually are? How could you help people remember a crucial difference?
2. Think up and describe two events that could be parts of International Polar Year.
3. Why are the affects of global warming more noticeable at the poles than in other parts of the world?
4. Compare the opportunities scientists have to study things that are different at the North Pole than they are at the South Pole. What topic might you study in each region?
5. Could the changes in the Arctic affect your life? Why or why not?
6. Why might some people not make changes in their lives that could help stop climate change? Think of three things that might change their minds.

SOCIAL STUDIES

If you were going to spend a month in the Arctic and could only bring 20 items with you, what would you bring? Which item would be most important to you?

LANGUAGE ARTS

1. Antarctica is home to a lot of unusual life. Research and write an article on an animal that lives in Antarctica that you don't know much about.
2. Design a poster that would make people more aware of the importance of International Polar Year.

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