Science·Polar Regions·conceptual
Antarctic Treaty & Research
Know that Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty (signed 1959, in force since 1961) — which sets Antarctica aside for peaceful purposes and scientific research, bans military activity and mining, and is signed by over 50 countries; understand that international research stations study climate, astronomy, biology, and geology, and that Antarctica is the closest thing on Earth to a continent for science rather than politics
Suggested ages 9–11
Evidence of understanding
- State that the Antarctic Treaty (1959) sets Antarctica aside for peace and science, banning military activity and mining
- Know that over 50 countries have signed the treaty and that many operate research stations
- Name at least two areas of scientific research conducted in Antarctica: climate, astronomy, biology, or geology
Assessment prompt
Does Antarctic Treaty & Research know about the Antarctic Treaty — that over 50 countries agreed Antarctica should be used only for science and peace, not war or mining — and that research stations there study everything from ice to stars?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.