The Arctic Tundra

Where is the Arctic Tundra?The arctic tundra is the most northern part of the world- at the top of the earth- the area around the North Pole.

If you are looking at a globe, itis on top of it.

If you are looking at a map of the world, it is on top of that, too.(The area in green.)

Question: Where is the Arctic Tundra on a globe?

Arctic Days And Nights

Because of where the arctic is and how the earth rotates around the sun, there can be no daylight for almost 6 months during the winter!

What is the weather like in the Arctic Tundra?

It is very cold in the Arctic Tundra. In the winter, it can get as cold as -40 degrees- much colder than any day in New York. In the summer, it can be 50 degrees. In some areas of the Arctic Tundra, the snow nevermelts. It is also very windy.

Question: Can you describe the weather in the Arctic Tundra?

Animals in the Arctic Tundra

Seal Arctic Fox Snowy Owl

Snowshoe Hare Caribou Polar Bears

Many of these animals are white to camouflage themselves in the snow. The white color makes them hard to see if they are being hunted because they blend in with the snow. Their fur or feathers are thick to protect them from the cold.

Question: Why are these animals white?

Plants in the Arctic Tundra

It is hard for plants to grow in the Arctic Tundra because it is very cold andsnow covers the ground for most of the year. The plants that do grow are small and low to the ground- their roots are very small. There are no trees in the Arctic Tundra because of the very cold temperatures and the high winds.

Question: Do you see any trees in the Artic Tundra?

Why?

People Who Live in the Arctic Tundra

There are many groups of people who live in the Arctic Tundra. They are native to the area- they have lived there a long time. One of the groups of people are called Eskimos.

Clothing of the Eskimos

Because it is so cold, the people must wear very warm clothing. Some clothing is made from animal hide and others are the same as we wear in the winter.

Question:What would you wear if you lived in the Arctic Tundra?

Getting Around in the Arctic Tundra

Dog Sleds Snowmobiles

Skis Snow Shoes

Because there is so much snow in the winter, people can not use cars. They use sleds, snowmobiles and ATVs. When they need to walk somewhere, they use skis or snow shoes.

ATVs

Question:Which of these would you use to if you lived in the Arctic Tundra?

Question:Would you like to live in the Arctic Tundra?

Why?