Draw the Really Big Map of Antarctica, a Fun Map Making Class With a Penguin

*This is a FLEX schedule course, and there are *no live meetings* scheduled. See below for more information and why this format might be right for your learner*

This fun and creative project combines art, math & geography.  It is particularly suited to homeschoolers/unschoolers who seek integrated learning and thrive with interest-based projects.  Learner’s finished map of Antarctica will include latitude and longitude lines, important geographic markers such as the South Pole & Prime Meridian, the continent outline, artistic labeling of significant land and water features such as mountains, glaciers, ice shelves, oceans/seas, and the option to add their own artistic flair with penguins, seals, explorers, or their own creative South Pole marker.

Using step-by-step instructions and the grid drawing method, students with a wide range of skill and talent can all be successful.  All levels of artistic talent are welcomed, from none (me!) up to the amazing creativity I can only admire.  I have done this activity in the regular classroom for several years and students of all levels have been successful.  I use good step-by-step instructions which are demonstrated in the videos posted during this course to guide learners in completing each step, which gradually builds into an amazing project. 

MATH SKILLS: Learners will need to be able to measure in centimeters (if they can accurately measure in inches, this will be a great opportunity to practice using the metric system), use a meter stick to draw straight lines, and use a math compass or tack & string to draw circles.  I do provide guidance in the course via a NearPod tutorial, and if this is a concern please reach out to see if this class is right for your learner.

GEOGRAPHY SKILLS: Learners will benefit from some basic geography skills such as the earth's grid system (latitude & longitude lines), directions such as North, East, South, and West, and a knowledge of the location of continents on the planet.  The course includes an optional NearPod tutorial covering these geography skills if your learner needs assistance in this area. 

AGE & SKILLS: You know your child best!  If your learner is outside the age range for this class, but has the math skills and interest to tackle this project, please email me regarding an age exception.

Weekly topics are as follows:
Week One: Let’s draw the grid
Draw & Label latitude & longitude lines, label 

Week Two: Where’s the continent?
Using the grid drawing method, learners will make the continent of Antarctica take shape.  Artistic creativity will start to emerge this week as draw & label major physical features such as mountains, glaciers, ice shelves, oceans/seas and volcanoes (yes, volcanoes!) 

Week Three: Who lives there?
There’s more than just Ice and Penguins, and this week we will label the political geography of Antarctica - who lives where - and discover why people are there.

Week Four: What about the animals?
In our final week, artistic talent will really shine as we draw some of the animals who call Antarctica home.  It’s more than just cute penguins and seals, there are several surprising animal species and I can’t wait to see the artistic creativity that happens in this week.

DISCOUNT: I also offer a companion course in either a LIVE (Amazing Antarctica) or FLEX (Antarctica is Awesome) format.  The weekly topics are aligned between these courses, so learners taking both courses would have a richer knowledge of Antarctica along with an awesome Really Big Map of Antarctica!  I offer a $10 refund for learners who are dual-enrolled, please email me for this refund.  

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE:
*A note on how I teach a flexible schedule class (there are *no live meetings*).
- Lessons will be posted to the Outschool classroom on Mondays.  Learners complete the lessons on their own schedule during the week.
- I use NearPod, which is an online interactive learning tool.  It is easy to use, requires no account (a code will be provided), and is a convenient way to organize all weekly lesson materials.
- Weekly lessons include class video lessons and additional materials such as discussion questions, activities, key vocabulary, games, supplementary materials.  
- All material and interaction will be posted within the platform.
- Students can post videos, copies of their work and or photos and respond to each other.
- Students can request help or feedback from the teacher.  I provide video feedback during my flex class office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7am - 8am Mountain Time (MST).

Following are some reasons caregivers and students might choose a FLEX schedule over live classes:
- Learners can enjoy the class material at their own pace and time, ask questions as they arise, and enjoy the learning process
- Especially for this artistic mapping activity, many learners work at a different pace and this allows each learner that freedom (maybe put on some good music while you draw!).  
- Learners can re-watch the video if they have questions or pause, skip, slow down or speed up with their video player controls as needed. 
- Any concerns about schedule conflicts, size of the class, or internet connection are minimized.

Questions about this course?  Feel free to email me.  I look forward to meeting your learner.