This six-day unit has students examine historical maps of Antarctica and research early explorers to gain perspective on how cartography and our understanding of the globe have changed. The curriculum materials contain teacher tools including individually downloadable readings, detailed daily breakdowns of tasks, teacher strategies for using the activities, a portfolio grading sheet, a project rubric sheet, and supplemental readings. In addition, a Web activity in which students examine and compare historical maps and their modern-day equivalents, highlights how map-making techniques have changed. A classroom activity in which students examine the history of Antarctic exploration and conduct research on a topic of interest and several readings that provide a broad perspective, including excerpts from early explorers' journals and an interview with a marine biologist who studies the history of Antarctica, round out the unit. A student handout provides guidance for putting together student portfolios and examples of creative final projects. Educational levels: High school, Middle school
