Handout
Encyclopedia of Earth

Encyclopedia of Earth: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment

For Students 9th - 10th
An extensive research report on climate change in the Arctic and the impact this is having on the environment, flora and fauna, and indigenous peoples. (Updated: December 20, 2010)
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Sea Ice Extension for the Earth as a System Learning Activity

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn how the Earth's systems interact on a global level. They will examine global environmental data and compare this to data on the polar regions. In the process, they will develop an...
Handout
PBS

Nh Pbs: Nature Works: Arctic Fox

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Learn more about the arctic fox through this clear and concise site. This resource features photos, characteristics, behavior information and more about this fascinating mammal.
Handout
PBS

Nh Pbs: Nature Works: Arctic Hare

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Explore the world of the arctic hare through this clear and concise site. Students will learn more information on the characteristics, range, habitat, food, reproduction and behavior of this furry creature through this resource.
Unit Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Instructor: Journey to the North Pole

For Students 3rd - 5th
Journey to the North Pole in which students and teachers can use this Cyber Hunt to locate new information about this arctic region.
Website
PBS

Pbs: Nature: The World of Penguins

For Students Pre-K - 1st
What do you know about the world of penguins? This PBS site features information about these flightless birds. Come and check out this extraordinary resource.
Website
Other

Social History of the North: Circumpolar History Timetables

For Students 9th - 10th
Find information on 37,000 years of civilization in the far North, including Russia, Northern Europe, and North America. This site is well organized, frequently updated, and offers an extensive bibliography.
Website
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Polar Discovery: Compare the Poles

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed comparison of many aspects of the two polar regions. Includes physical features, seasons, weather, types of ice, plants and animals, human population, and climate change.
Interactive
National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation: Arctic & Antarctic

For Students 9th - 10th
The National Science Foundation has conducted extensive research on this region that is often thought of as barren and devoid of all scientific promise. Learn more about these frigid regions and what is being done to understand more...
Article
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Ice Stories: Dispatches From Polar Scientists: Climate Change

For Students 9th - 10th
An article briefly addressing climate change and its effects in the Arctic region.
Article
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Ice Stories: Dispatches From Polar Scientists: Tundra, Permafrost

For Students 9th - 10th
An article exploring the depths of tundra and permafrost in the Arctic region.
Handout
Other

Unmuseum: Virtual Exploration Society: Matthew Henson

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the exciting account of Matthew Henson's explorations of the Arctic region and his assault on the North Pole.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Arctic Studies Center:caribou & Reindeer

For Students 9th - 10th
This site takes a look at the caribou and reindeer found in arctic regions around the world. Content includes the personal observations of the 19th Century Naturalist, Edward Nelson.
Handout
Other

Ecological Regions of North America [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A helpful map of North America which color codes its 15 ecological regions. Click on the different regions for a brief description of the area. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Ptarmigan

For Students 9th - 10th
This Smithsonian website has a brief, but thorough, article on the Ptarmigan. It also includes pictures and an extensive quote from 19th Century naturalist Edward Nelson.
Website
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Ice Stories: Dispatches From Polar Scientists

For Students 9th - 10th
During the International Polar Year, scientists descended on the Arctic and the Antarctic in droves. While there, they documented their experiences and research work. That rich database of information, covering November 2007 to October...
Activity
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: Arctic Story Puzzles

For Students 3rd - 8th
Construct a story about the Inuit or the polar bear from a series of pictures that can be put together in a sequence.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: The Living Yamal

For Students 9th - 10th
A Smithsonian site that tells of the history and culture of the Yamal people of Siberia.
Article
National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife: The Incredible Shrinking Polar Bears

For Students 9th - 10th
This article, published by National Wildlife Magazine (February/March 2004 issue), offers an insightful look into the life of the polar bears of Canada's Hudson Bay. The article looks at why these bears are losing weight and bearing...
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Arctic Studies Center: Arctic Fox

For Students 9th - 10th
This site takes a brief look at the Arctic Fox, focusing on this animal's adaptations to the harsh climate of its environment.
Graphic
Central Intelligence Agency

Cia: World Factbook: Regional and World Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
Maps of major areas of the world can be downloaded here. The maps have excellent detail and are in color.
Handout
National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation: Wild Places: Arctic

For Students 9th - 10th
An overview of the ecological state of arctic environments, plant, and animals.
Website
Other

Canada and the Circumpolar World

For Students 9th - 10th
This government resource has information about Canada's policies in the Arctic, and the activities it is involved in to protect and maintain sovereignty over the Canadian Arctic.
Unit Plan
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Arctic Warming and Greenhouse Gasses

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore how the warming of the Earth's polar regions may lead to releasing greenhouse gasses.