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Polar Climate Zones: Arctic and Antarctic — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage introduces students in Grades 6-8 to the polar climate zones of the Arctic and Antarctic, following NGSS standards. Students will learn about the unique features, temperatures, and ecosystems of each pole, as well as how animals and plants adapt to these extreme conditions. The passage defines key science vocabulary in context, offers real-world examples, and highlights the importance of these regions for the planet’s climate. It includes a glossary, a Spanish translation, an 8-question multiple-choice quiz, and three open-ended writing activities that encourage deeper thinking and connections to everyday life. The resource is audio integrated for greater accessibility, making it an excellent tool for classrooms and home study alike.

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Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica
Wikimedia Commons

The polar climate zones are found at the very top and bottom of the Earth, in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These areas are some of the coldest places on our planet. The Arctic is located around the North Pole, while the Antarctic surrounds the South Pole. Both zones have unique ecosystems and weather patterns, but there are important differences between them.

The Arctic is mostly made up of frozen ocean, called sea ice, which is surrounded by continents like North America, Europe, and Asia. In contrast, the Antarctic is a continent covered by a thick layer of ice, surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The average temperature in the Arctic ranges from -40°C in winter to around 0°C in summer. The Antarctic is even colder, with winter temperatures dropping below -60°C and summer rarely going above -20°C.

One reason these zones are so cold is because of the tilt of Earth's axis. The sun's rays hit the poles at a low angle, meaning less energy reaches the surface. In winter, each pole can be in darkness for months, a time known as polar night. In summer, they can have 24 hours of daylight, called midnight sun.

Both the Arctic and Antarctic have amazing adaptations to help plants and animals survive. In the Arctic, animals like polar bears, arctic foxes, and seals have thick fur or blubber to keep them warm. Some plants, like mosses and lichens, grow low to the ground to avoid cold winds. The Antarctic is home to penguins, seals, and only a few types of plants, such as mosses. Penguins have layers of feathers and fat to protect them from the icy temperatures.

The ecosystems of these regions are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Melting ice caused by climate change is a big problem, as it affects animal habitats and the entire food web. For example, polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt for seals, and when the ice melts, it becomes harder for them to survive. Scientists use the polar regions to study how the Earth’s climate is changing and to predict what might happen in the future.

Interesting Fact:
In the Antarctic, the largest animal is the blue whale, which visits during the summer to feed on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill!

Where is the Arctic located?

Around the North PoleAround the South PoleNear the equatorIn South America

What covers the Antarctic region?

A thick layer of iceRainforestsDesert sandMountains only

Which animal lives in the Arctic?

Polar bearPenguinCamelKangaroo

Why are polar zones so cold?

Sun’s rays hit at a low angleToo many volcanoesLots of rainIt is always night

What is midnight sun?

24 hours of daylightA total eclipseNight with no starsA type of storm

What happens if ice melts in the Arctic?

Polar bears struggle to huntMore plants growIt becomes a desertMore fish appear