Antarctica – A Homeschool Guide for Ages 8–11

Welcome to Antarctica — the coldest, windiest, and driest place on Earth! 

Antarctica might look like one giant sheet of ice, but it’s actually full of amazing secrets. It’s home to hidden volcanoes, frozen lakes buried under the ice, and incredible animals like penguins, elephant seals, and whales! Even though no one lives there full-time, scientists travel from all over the world to study its glaciers, weather, and wildlife.

So, how can you make learning about this frozen land exciting for your kids?

The key: turn it into an adventure of discovery!

Let them imagine what it’s like to explore in freezing winds, to camp beside glaciers, or to meet the world’s most famous explorers who dared to travel to the bottom of the world.

Free Learning Resources

Here are some free, family-friendly resources that make Antarctica come alive:

General

• Cool Antarctica — A Website deticated to teaching about Antarctica. (it even has recipes from Antarctica!)

• Ducksters – Easy-to-read facts about geography, wildlife, and explorers.

•  Space Place 

Free Videos & Documentaries

• Surrounded by KILLER WHALES! — Brave Wilderness

• Penguins: Life Among the Largest Colonies — Get.Factual
• How do Glaciers Move? — Be Smart.
• Elephant Seal Research Mission! — Brave Wilderness

Hands-On Activities

Let your kids become polar explorers from home!

• Polar Animal Adaptations: Try wearing mittens filled with vegetable shortening (“blubber”) in ice water to feel how animals stay warm!

• Origami Penguin:

• Artficial Snow: If you live somewhere where it doesn't snow much, make your own. It even feels cold!

Books to Explore

These books make Antarctica’s wonders easy to understand and fun to read:

• Passionate About Penguins — Owen Davey 

• The Frozen Worlds — Jason Bittel 

• Shackleton’s Journey — William Grill (beautifully illustrated)

• Byrd & Igloo: A Polar Adventure: A Polar Adventure — Samantha Seiple

History Plus Brings It All Together

With History Plus, your bright young explorers don’t just learn about Antarctica—they experience it!

Each lesson combines real adventure, stunning visuals, and hands-on learning. Kids will:

• Watch fun video lessons filmed on location in Antarctica

• Meet amazing animals and learn about the people who study them

• Try creative crafts and simple experiments

• Explore how geography and science connect to real life

Every month brings new topics to explore, and your kids will gain a deeper understanding of our planet—while having fun!

Ready to start exploring? Join History Plus  and take your family on an adventure!

— Janaya Allers