Contextualization

Antarctica is a continent with a rich history of exploration, as well as a unique and delicate environment. Often, we only think of it as a place of ice and penguins, but there is much more to learn about this fascinating continent!

Antarctica is a polar continent, located at the South Pole of our planet, and is the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures that can reach -89.2°C. It is also the driest place, since most of its territory only receives snow as a form of precipitation. Covered by an ice layer of approximately 4.5 km thick, the continent plays a crucial role in the regulation of the global climate.

In contrast to its seemingly uninhabitable nature, Antarctica is also a place of intense scientific research. Due to its location and extreme conditions, it is utilized as a kind of "natural laboratory", allowing scientists to study a wide range of subjects - from the evolution of life on Earth, to global climate changes.

Importance of the Antarctic

Antarctica has a great scientific value, due to its key role in the regulation of the global climate and as a unique record of past climate changes. The Antarctic ice contains trapped air bubbles, which provide a valuable recollection of past climate conditions, allowing scientists to make more accurate predictions about future climate changes.

From a geopolitical point of view, Antarctica is extremely important. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, establishes that the continent should be used for peaceful and scientific purposes, prohibiting any military activity or territorial claim. This treaty is a unique example of international cooperation, and its maintenance is crucial for the preservation of the continent for future generations.

To delve deeper into the subject, I suggest the following reliable sources:

1. Portal Brasil - Antarctic: Importance and studies carried out
2. FAPESP Magazine - The role of ice
3. Estadão - Antarctica has accelerated melting and raises sea level

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Discovering Antarctica: A Frigid Dive into Facts and Studies"

Project Objective:

To deepen the knowledge about Antarctica, through research, virtual exploration, data analysis, and team discussion.

Detailed Project Description:

In this activity, the class will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will have to carry out research related to the Antarctic continent, addressing three main aspects:

1. Physical and climatic geography of Antarctica.
2. The role of Antarctica in the global climatic system.
3. The geopolitical importance of Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty.

Necessary Materials:

• Computer with internet access
• Material to make a three-dimensional map (cardboard, paint, glue, etc.).
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.).

Detailed step-by-step to carry out the activity:

1. Research: Each group should carry out research on the three topics above. Use reliable sources to collect information.

2. Three-dimensional map: Based on the research carried out, the group will have to build a three-dimensional physical map of Antarctica, highlighting its main geographical characteristics.

3. Presentation: Each group will create a digital presentation highlighting the main points of their research and visualizing the relationships between Antarctica and the global climate system, in addition to addressing the geopolitical importance of this continent.

4. Team discussion: At the end of the activity, there will be a discussion session, where each group will present their findings and receive feedback from colleagues and the teacher.

5. Report: The groups should prepare a detailed report on the project, based on the guidelines provided.

Project Deliverables:

1. Three-dimensional map: It is a physical representation of Antarctica, emphasizing its geographical characteristics.

2. Digital Presentation: It should be a clear and informative presentation that highlights the research carried out by the group.

3. Written Report: Upon completion of the practical part of the project, the group should write a report containing:

   • Introduction: In this topic, the students should contextualize Antarctica, its relevance, and application in the real world as well as the objective of this project.

   • Development: In this section, the students will have to detail the research carried out, explaining the theory behind the project's theme, the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.

   • Conclusion: Here, the group should revisit the main points of the project, explain the lessons learned, and make a conclusion about the importance of the Antarctic.

   • Bibliography: Finally, students should indicate all sources of information used to prepare the project.