Lesson 2: How did Scott's explorers
keep warm in Antarctica? Key Stage 2 & Key Stage 2: History

Investigating clothing worn by polar explorers on Scott's expeditions

Keeping warm in the extreme cold.

How do you keep warm when temperatures are usually below zero degrees and often significantly lower?

Early polar explorers had to wear many layers of natural fibre clothing, which gave rise to a number of problems.

Explorers would be used to their clothes being cold and frozen and uncomfortable, but as they wore the garments through the day they would warm up and the clothes would become comfortable again.

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Purpose of study:

Science - Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

English - Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

National Curriculum Aims / Attainment Targets	Activity focus
Science: Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. Scientific enquiry should include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. KS1 – Everyday materials Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made. Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock. Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials. Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses.	Investigating natural and man-made fibres. Writing an advice sheet on what to wear in the Antarctic.
English: Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate. Spoken language All pupils should be enabled to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama. Pupils should be able to adopt, create and sustain a range of roles, responding appropriately to others in role.	Investigating natural and man-made fibres. Writing an advice sheet on what to wear in the Antarctic.

National Curriculum Aims / Attainment Targets

Activity focus

Science:

Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Scientific enquiry should include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.

KS1 – Everyday materials

Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.
Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock.
Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials.
Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.
Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses.

Investigating natural and man-made fibres.
Writing an advice sheet on what to wear in the Antarctic.

English:

Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Spoken language

All pupils should be enabled to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama.
Pupils should be able to adopt, create and sustain a range of roles, responding appropriately to others in role.