Arctic Tundra

Goal

You are going to identify plants and animals in the Arctic Tundra. Then you are going to write a friendly letter to a friend or family member about the environment. 

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Plan

1. Watch the movie.
2. Listen to a Harbor Seal Pup Grows Up.
3. Fill out graphic organizer.
4. Write a friendly letter to someone you would miss if you went on a long journey in the tundra. Write about what animals and plants you have observed, and what items you took with you to survive in the Arctic Tundra. 

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Start

• Click here to listen to A Harbor Seal Pup Grows Up
  
• Visit What is it like where you live: Tundra

Step 1
Bring a special winter jacket even if you're visiting in summer. Summer temperatures rarely go over freezing in the Arctic Tundra, so you will have to dress up accordingly. Dress in layers so you can take things off or put them on as you warm up throughout the day. A polypropylene shirt, followed by a sweater and a vest should be enough. A waterproof lined jacket is a must for colder or windy days.


Step 2
Bring high-SPF sunscreen if you're visiting in summer. In certain areas of the Arctic Tundra, summer means days where the sun never sets and it's always daylight. Constant exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, despite the low temperatures. You also should bring sunglasses and lip balm with sun protection.


Step 3
Pack items to keep your head, neck and face warm. A wool or synthetic hat should be enough for summer. In winter, a face mask or a balaclava make more sense, as they will offer more protection against the wind. In winter, you also might need goggles to protect your eyes from the icy temperatures.


Step 4
Bring a thick insulation jacket if you're visiting in winter. The United States Antarctic Program recommends jackets made of Holofill Thinsulate, Polarguard, Primaloft and down. The jacket should be large enough to allow several layers of clothing underneath. It also should have a hood to protect your head and sides of your face against the wind. In winter you also will need thermal underwear, and thick insulated pants over the long underwear.


Step 5
Pack thick wool socks to protect your feet. You also will need insulated winter boots that are waterproof. For winter, it's best to choose high boots that reach to your ankles. These will prevent snow and ice from getting in and making your feet wet, which could cause frostbite.


Step 6
Bring thick waterproof mittens or gloves, as well as several pairs of wool gloves. In very cold days, you can wear your wool gloves under the waterproof mittens. You also can buy special ski or waterproof gloves that are lined with fleece or wool.


Step 7
Pack a flashlight if you're visiting in winter. You'll encounter long hours of absolute darkness. If you're there to view wildlife, bring binoculars, as tour companies will try to keep a certain distance to avoid disturbing the animals. Bring extra batteries for your camera. Batteries lose power faster in cold weather, according to the New York Institute of Photography.