Lesson Plan - Health on the ice
28 February 1909 – Shackleton misses the boat.
Learning outcomes
Students will:
- investigate a range of health issues that Antarctic explorers face
- create a pamphlet informing people of problems they may face in Antarctica.
Focus Essential Learning Area
Social Studies:
Place and Environment L2-5
Time, Continuity, and Change L3-4
Integrating Essential Learning Areas
Health and Physical Education:
Personal Health and Physical Development L2-5
Healthy Communities and Environments L2-5
English:
Visual Language L2-5
Presenting: thinking critically; processing information
Activities
| 1. |
Diet and health
Read ‘Shackleton misses the boat’ (available on this website). As a class, discuss the unique climate and environment of Antarctica and how it can affect people in adverse ways. For example, the diet of Antarctic explorers frequently lacked the carbohydrates and vitamins essential for nutrition.
In groups, brainstorm:
- health problems that Antarctic explorers could have faced
- foods you would take to Antarctica.
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| 2. |
Mental health
As a class, discuss how the harsh Antarctic conditions could affect the mental health of explorers. Remember, they were living on limited rations, potentially suffering from scurvy or dysentery, and trying to beat incredible odds. Imagine spending long days and nights battling the elements. How would you feel?
Compile a list of things you could do to keep your spirits up. How does your list compare with what Antarctic explorers did 100 years ago? (At base, explorers could play cards, read books, play soccer, paint or sketch, walk the dogs, have skiing races, and write in their diaries.)
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| 3. |
Food in the field
Compare the food that explorers ate 100 years ago with the food that explorers eat today. What are the similarities and differences?
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| 4. |
Research project – Antarctic health problems
Research a health problem that Antarctic explorers might have faced 100 years ago. Possibilities include:
- malnutrition
- scurvy
- dysentery
- starvation
- altitude sickness
- snow blindness
- hypothermia
- frostbite
- gangrene
- mental health problems.
Create a pamphlet informing people about your chosen health problem. What is it? What does it do to you? What causes this to happen? Is there a cure? If so, what is it? How can you help prevent the problem? |
Useful websites
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/food.htm
A balanced diet in Antarctica, the amount of energy needed for Antarctic activities, and food rations
http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm
Altitude sickness
www.medlineplus.gov/
Gangrene, hypothermia, scurvy, malnutrition, mental health, and frostbite
