Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
Key Stage 2
|
| Curriculum links |
Geography
History
Literacy
|
| Session length | 80 minutes |
| Session times | Monday and Wednesday, 10.30-11.50 and 12.30-13.50 |
| Capacity | 30 pupils per session |
| Price | £90 |
Session overview
Introduction
Learners are introduced to the polar regions and the indigenous peoples of the Arctic.
Gallery visit and activity
In groups, learners explore the Polar Worlds gallery to find objects and artefacts used for survival in extreme conditions relating to themes of Food, Travel, Shelter, Clothing and Leisure.
Object handling
Learners explore mystery objects and discuss how they relate to survival in the polar regions. They also learn the importance of indigenous knowledge.
Challenges of exploration
Learners consider the choices explorers made when faced with tough options. They also hear the story of Matthew Henson, Robert Peary, Ooqueah, Ootah, Engingwah and Seeglo and the first recorded successful expedition by westerners and Inuit to the North Pole.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- Learn about significant polar explorers
- Understand the geography and challenges of polar environments
- Discover the tools and equipment needed for a polar expedition
- Carry out hands-on investigations in the gallery
Curriculum links
KS2 History, Geography, Literacy
- Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources
- Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography: climate zones
- Build vocabulary
- Articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
Key words
Exploration, indigenous, the Arctic, Antarctica, infer
Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities
Learn about the environment in the polar regions.
Read ‘Race to the Frozen North’ by Catherine Johnson as a class.
Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities
Use the Stories from the Sea: Exploration resource for story-writing ideas.
Useful links
Stories from the Sea: Exploration resource
Content guidance
Conversation on extreme survival and racism/discrimination.