New
New
Protecting Antarctica
I can explain how Antarctica is protected.
Lesson 9 of 12
New
New
- Year 9
Protecting Antarctica
I can explain how Antarctica is protected.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Antarctica is protected by the Antarctic Treaty.
- The Antarctic Treaty prevents mining, drilling and nuclear testing.
- Antarctica is part of the global commons.
Keywords
Antarctic Treaty - an international agreement to protect Antarctica
Global commons - resources or areas that belong to all humanity
Environmental protection - measures taken to preserve natural ecosystems
Common misconception
Antarctica is owned by a group of countries.
Antarctica is one of the global commons, meaning it belongs to all of humanity, not individual nations.
Look on travel agent websites to see rules on travelling to Antarctica.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is Antarctica located?
Where is Antarctica located?
North Pole
Equator
Arctic Circle
Q2.What is the climate like in Antarctica?
What is the climate like in Antarctica?
Hot and humid
Warm and tropical
Mild and rainy
Q3.Which of these animals can be found in Antarctica?
Which of these animals can be found in Antarctica?
Lions
Tigers
Elephants
Q4.What is the main source of food for most animals in Antarctica?
What is the main source of food for most animals in Antarctica?
Plants
Ice
Fruits
Q5.What is the primary reason for Antarctica’s extreme cold?
What is the primary reason for Antarctica’s extreme cold?
High humidity
Close proximity to the sun
Dense forests
Q6.What is the main type of ice found in Antarctica?
What is the main type of ice found in Antarctica?
Glaciers
Icebergs
Snow
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which international agreement was established to protect Antarctica from exploitation and ensure peaceful scientific research?
Which international agreement was established to protect Antarctica from exploitation and ensure peaceful scientific research?
The Kyoto Protocol
The Paris Agreement
Q2.What is one major environmental concern for Antarctica?
What is one major environmental concern for Antarctica?
Deforestation
Urbanisation
Q3.Which of the following are goals of the Antarctic Treaty?
Which of the following are goals of the Antarctic Treaty?
To allow unrestricted mining of minerals
To promote military activity in Antarctica
To allow countries to claim parts of Antarctica as their own
Q4.What is the 'Global Commons'?
What is the 'Global Commons'?
Areas where countries fight for control of resources
Protected national parks around the world
Areas that belong only to wealthy nations
