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The Arctic Tundra

CONCEPTUAL
Science›Polar Regions|Ages 7—9|ID: mt_X4CJpPRxae

Know what the Arctic tundra is — a vast, treeless landscape with permafrost (permanently frozen ground) just below the surface, a very short growing season in summer when mosses, lichens, and tough grasses burst into life, and home to caribou/reindeer, musk oxen, lemmings, and snowy owls

Mastery Evidence

  • Describe the tundra as a treeless landscape with permafrost (permanently frozen ground) beneath the surface
  • Explain that the tundra has a very short summer growing season when mosses, lichens, and grasses grow quickly
  • Name at least three tundra animals: caribou/reindeer, musk oxen, lemmings, or snowy owls

Assessment Prompt

“Does [child] know what tundra is — the huge flat landscape near the Arctic with no trees, frozen ground underneath, and short summers where everything bursts into life?”

Prerequisites1

Show full prerequisite tree
  • Comparing Arctic & Antarctic hard

    Must understand Arctic geography before learning about the tundra biome

    • Polar Animals soft

      Knowing a range of polar animals enriches the detailed comparison

      • Arctic vs Antarctic hard

        Must know Arctic vs Antarctic before learning which animals live where

      • Penguins soft

        Penguins and polar bears are the anchor species; other animals build on these

        • Arctic vs Antarctic hard

          Must know penguins live in Antarctic (not Arctic) from the comparison topic

      • Polar Bears soft

        Polar bears are the anchor species; other animals build on these

        • Arctic vs Antarctic hard

          Must know polar bears live in Arctic (not Antarctic) from the comparison topic

    • Arctic vs Antarctic hard

      Detailed comparison builds on basic Arctic vs Antarctic distinction

Unlocks2