Why teach about the polar regions, their geography, and maps?
These concepts seem to belong in a social studies unit, and, indeed, they do fit within the National Council for the Social Studies strand of People, Places and Environment. But science educators place great importance on recognizing, challenging, and correcting student misconceptions. Any incorrect ideas about the basic size, shape, and location of the Arctic and Antarctic will definitely impact students’ understanding of the science of the two regions. These concepts are best viewed as part of an interdisciplinary unit that integrates basic science, geography skills, and literature. Lessons about the North and South Poles can also be extended to include the concept of magnetism. The Earth’s magnetic field is the basis for natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis, is believed to play a role in animal migrations, and is used to aid travel and communication. According to the Physical Science content standard of the National Science Education Standards, K-4 students should develop a
