Golding Middle School

In Ms. Martin’s 7th grade science classes, students have been learning all about weather and climate. In honor of the holiday season, their focus shifted to the Polar Climate Regions, with a special spotlight on Antarctica.

Students began the week by learning about six different Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic penguin species, exploring where they live, how they survive extreme climates, and how they are adapted to their environments. After researching each species, students participated in a Polar Penguin Poll, voting for their favorite penguin based on factors such as habitat, adaptations, size, and survival skills. By the end of the week, the class determined that Emperor Penguins are the ultimate Polar Climate Zone penguins!

Then, students put their learning into action during a hands-on lab. Working in lab groups, students created artificial snow using baking soda and shaving cream, then built polar climate habitats inside containers for their group’s 3D-printed penguin. Each group was provided with a container, artificial snow materials, and an ice cube to represent a glacier, allowing students to observe how melting ice impacts a polar ecosystem and penguin survival.

To wrap up the week, each student received a 3D-printed penguin as a holiday gift, making this science-filled week both meaningful and memorable!

See more pictures from the lab on our Facebook page!