*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 class is a great next step for learners who enjoyed my one-time class "Journey to Antarctica: A Really Cool Introduction to the Icy Continent".  I combine my experience living and working at a science research station in Antarctica along with my background as a Geography Teacher to give learners unique and amazing information about the Icy Continent.  This course will use key vocabulary terminology in geography, history, and science, giving homeschool and unschooling families the option to use this as a specialized geography unit.

WE WILL LEARN:

Week 1: Physical Geography.  Where is it located, geospatial data (latitude & longitude), continent facts, geographic features such as continental ice sheet, glaciers, ice shelves, mountains & volcanoes, and the sections of Antarctica not covered in ice.

Week 2: History/Explorers.  Antarctica's history is very unique, as the only continent without indigenous or native people and communities.  We will learn about the first sightings of Antarctica, the Explorers who finally set foot on the continent, and important historical events leading up to modern scientific bases throughout Antarctica.

Week 3: Political Geography.  Who owns Antarctica?  The political structure and laws on this continent are also unique and different than everywhere else on the planet.  We will learn who owns/runs Antarctica, where people live & work, and how you can visit.  A learner favorite is discovering what happens when you break the law.

Week 4: Animals that live in Antarctica.  Most learners are keenly aware penguins inhabit Antarctica!  We will also learn about other land & ocean dwelling animals, discover which animals live there permanently and those who migrate seasonally, and be introduced to the scientists who research and study them.  Plus … bugs?

Week 5: People, Culture & Sports.  About 5,000 people live in Antarctica during the summer and 1,000 in the winter.  Just like you, Antarcticans enjoy a good meal, music and cultural events, have developed traditions, and of course enjoy a good sporting match.  Could you be an Antarctican too?

This is a teacher-led class and I use a mixture of storytelling based on my experiences with age-appropriate questioning techniques to draw out learner’s natural curiosity.  Curious learners also have great questions, and I have allocated time in class to answer questions about my experience of living and working at a science research station in Antarctica.

PLEASE NOTE: I also offer a similar course for learners aged 8-10.  Each week's topics are the same and some of the same photos and videos may be used (a cute penguin is a cute penguin for all ages!), but teaching style and learner activities are different.

LIVE OPTION: If you prefer a live class, please choose the class "Amazing Antarctica: Geography, History, Extremes, Animals & People" which covers similar content and live interaction with a real Antarctic Explorer (me!)

DISCOUNT: I also offer a companion course called "Create the Really Big Map of Antarctica: A Fusion of Art, Math & Geography" which is also a FLEX course.  The age range is 10-14, but is flexible because learners with the skills required can be successful regardless of age.  The weekly topics are aligned in both courses, so learners taking both 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:
*This is a FLEX schedule course, and there are *no live meetings* scheduled.  Every week, new lessons will be released using an online interactive learning tool called NearPod.com.  It is easy to use, requires no account (a code will be provided), and is a convenient way to organize all weekly lesson materials including video lessons, interactive discussion questions, games, key vocabulary, and supplementary materials.  Students will be able to interact with each other and can ask for clarification or help from me.  Office hours and video feedback for flex classes are Tuesdays and Fridays from 7am - 8am Mountain Time*

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
- 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.