Context

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, isolated from the rest of the world by the tempestuous Drake Passage. It is a place of extremes, being the coldest, driest, windiest, and most desolate continent on the planet. Made up of 98% ice, Antarctica plays a critical role in the global climate system, acting as a giant solar mirror and helping to regulate ocean currents. Yet, contrary to what many might think, Antarctica is not just a barren, white desert. It is home to a rich and diverse array of life, including several species of penguins, seals, and whales.

Importance of Antarctica

Antarctica is of immense importance to our planet. Not only does it play a crucial role in the global climate system, but it is also a unique laboratory for scientific research. Scientists travel to Antarctica to study everything from the Earth's geological history to the impact of climate change on wildlife. In addition, Antarctica has geopolitical significance, as it is the only region in the world that belongs to everyone and no one at the same time. It is governed by an international treaty that prohibits any military activity and promotes scientific cooperation.

Hands-on Activity

Activity Title: Exploring Antarctica: A Journey into Polar Geography

Project Goal

Students will develop a deeper understanding of the geography, environmental issues, and geopolitical challenges associated with Antarctica.

Detailed Project Description

Groups of students will be tasked with creating a "Video Documentary" about Antarctica. This will allow students to learn about the region and its associated issues, while also developing their creativity and communication skills through the production of a video.

Materials Required:

• Access to the internet for research
• Video recording device (camera or smartphone)
• Video editing software (iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or any other similar software that is available to the students)
• Craft supplies for creating sets and props (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for the Activity

1. Research and Organization of Information: Groups of students will research two main topics: the geography and wildlife of Antarctica, and the geopolitical importance of the continent. They should take notes and collect relevant images, videos, and other content that can be included in their documentary.

2. Scriptwriting: Groups of students will create a script for their documentary. This will involve writing dialogue, planning out scenes, and organizing how the information will be presented.

3. Filming: Using their script, students will film the scenes for their documentary. This may include filming themselves speaking, narrating over collected images and videos, and/or creating sets and props to help tell their story.

4. Editing: Students will compile and edit their footage into a complete documentary, adding music, sound effects, and visuals as needed.

5. Presentation: Each group of students will present their documentary to the class. Following the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session where students can discuss what they have learned.

6. Project Report: Upon completion of the documentary, each group of students will submit a project report. The report should have the structure of Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and References. In the Development, it is expected that besides discussing the theory learned, students will describe the process of developing the documentary, justifying the choices made to present the material. The conclusions should also address the practical project, in addition to highlighting the main theoretical learnings.

Project Deliverables

Students will submit a completed video documentary, a class presentation of the documentary, and a written report detailing the documentary creation process, the information learned, and reflections on the experience.

The written portion should elaborate on the technical skills students acquired during the project as well as the analysis of the environmental and territorial role of Antarctica in the geopolitical context, its relevance to South American countries, and its value as an area for research and understanding of the global environment; in addition to the analysis of the territory of Antarctica and its importance for scientific studies.

In addition, students should indicate the socio-emotional skills developed during the work, such as time management, communication, problem solving, creative thinking, and proactivity, among others.

This is a group project for groups of 3-5 students and the total duration of the project is one month.