Wow, it was really chilly on our hike today! But guess what? There are places even colder than where we were, like Antarctica! It’s super cold there all the time. My friend Ariel Waldman actually visited Antarctica and sent me a video message about her trip. Let’s dive into what she discovered!
Antarctica is not just any place; it’s the coldest, driest, and highest continent on Earth. Even though it’s covered in ice and snow, it’s technically a desert because it gets very little rain. In winter, temperatures can drop to around negative 60 degrees Celsius!
Despite the harsh conditions, Ariel wanted to see what lives there. Besides penguins, there are many tiny creatures called extremophiles. These are living things that thrive in extreme environments, like the super cold and dry conditions of Antarctica. Studying them might even help us understand what life could be like on other planets!
Ariel prepared for her trip by learning how to use microscopes and video cameras. She packed lots of warm clothes and headed to Antarctica. One of her coolest experiences was going into the ocean under the ice using a metal structure called the ObTube. It was like being in a submarine, surrounded by windows to see the underwater world. She even heard seals calling!
Ariel collected samples from glaciers, which are huge blocks of ice that don’t melt in summer. She found incredible creatures like tardigrades, also known as “water bears” or “moss piglets.” These tiny animals look like gummy bears with claws and can survive extreme conditions. She also discovered diatoms, which are algae that live in beautiful glass-like houses. Some looked like perfect little triangles!
Another fascinating find was Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria. They look like blue moving confetti under the ice, making it seem like a party down there!
After five weeks, Ariel had to leave Antarctica, but she created a website to share all the amazing creatures she found. You can check it out at lifeundertheice.org. Ariel hopes to visit us at The Fort soon, but until then, we can explore the wonders of Antarctica through her videos.
Inspired by Ariel’s adventure, Squeaks and I are going to look for extremophiles in our snowy world. Maybe you can do the same and discover some tiny wonders right where you are!
Ice Cube Experiment: Fill a small container with water and place it in the freezer to make an ice cube. Once frozen, take it out and observe how it feels and looks. Discuss how this ice cube is similar to the glaciers Ariel found in Antarctica. What happens when you leave the ice cube out in a warm room? How does this compare to the glaciers in Antarctica that don’t melt in summer?
Extremophile Hunt: Go on a mini expedition in your backyard or local park to find tiny creatures living in extreme conditions. Look under rocks, in the soil, or near water. Use a magnifying glass to observe them closely. Can you find any creatures that remind you of the extremophiles Ariel discovered? Draw a picture of what you find and think about how these creatures might survive in their environment.
Temperature Exploration: Use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different places around your home or school. Compare these temperatures to the extreme cold of Antarctica. Discuss why some places are warmer or colder than others. How do you think animals and plants adapt to live in such cold places like Antarctica?
