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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how Antarctica is protected.

      Key learning points

      1. Antarctica is protected by the Antarctic Treaty.
      2. The Antarctic Treaty prevents mining, drilling and nuclear testing.
      3. 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.

      Teacher tip

      Look on travel agent websites to see rules on travelling to Antarctica.

      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?

      North Pole
      Correct answer: South Pole
      Equator
      Arctic Circle

      Q2.
      What is the climate like in Antarctica?

      Hot and humid
      Warm and tropical
      Correct answer: Cold and dry
      Mild and rainy

      Q3.
      Which of these animals can be found in Antarctica?

      Lions
      Correct answer: Penguins
      Tigers
      Elephants

      Q4.
      What is the main source of food for most animals in Antarctica?

      Correct answer: Krill and fish
      Plants
      Ice
      Fruits

      Q5.
      What is the primary reason for Antarctica’s extreme cold?

      High humidity
      Correct answer: Lack of sunlight and high altitude
      Close proximity to the sun
      Dense forests

      Q6.
      What is the main type of ice found in Antarctica?

      Correct answer: Ice sheets
      Glaciers
      Icebergs
      Snow

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which international agreement was established to protect Antarctica from exploitation and ensure peaceful scientific research?

      The Kyoto Protocol
      The Paris Agreement
      Correct answer: The Antarctic Treaty

      Q2.
      What is one major environmental concern for Antarctica?

      Correct answer: Climate change and ice melt
      Deforestation
      Urbanisation

      Q3.
      Which of the following are goals of the Antarctic Treaty?

      Correct answer: To ensure Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research
      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'?

      Areas where countries fight for control of resources
      Protected national parks around the world
      Correct answer: Areas of Earth that are not owned by any single country and are shared
      Areas that belong only to wealthy nations

      To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: Protecting Antarctica, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...