Research & Creative Writing Challenge
Today, you will explore the Arctic, one of the most extreme environments on earth and home to some of its most incredible wildlife. You’ll read about different Arctic animals, choose your favorite, research it, and then write your own short report using what you learned. You can write in your notebook or use the Creative Writing Application below.
If you use the Creative Writing Application, your finished work will save into the Parent/Teacher Account.
Below are some of the most famous Arctic animals. Read the descriptions to help you choose the one you want to research.
Polar Bear
Polar bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth and excellent swimmers. They depend on sea ice to hunt seals and can smell prey from over a mile away. Their fur looks white, but each hair is actually clear—and their skin is black to help absorb heat.
Research links:
Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is a true survivor. Despite the freezing conditions of the Arctic, this small fox thrives year-round in the far north of our planet. Its white winter coat offers perfect camouflage in the snow, while its brown(ish) summer fur blends into the tundra.
Research links:
Walrus
Walruses are famous for their long tusks, whiskered faces, and abundance of blubber. They use their tusks to haul themselves onto ice and for defense against predators. Walruses live in groups called herds and spend much of their time on ice or in cold ocean waters.
Research links:
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls are powerful hunters with bright yellow eyes and soft white feathers. They can fly silently and spot prey from far away thanks to incredible vision. Unlike many owls, they are active during the day.
Research links:
Musk Ox
Musk oxen are ancient animals that have survived through the last age alongside wild reindeer. Safe to say, they’ve had plenty of time to become well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic tundra. These large, shaggy herbivores can be found in Greenland, northern Canada, and Alaska.
Research links:
Choose Your Animal
- Pick one Arctic animal from the list above (or another Arctic animal you find during research).
- Read more using the research links.
- Take notes in your notebook as you go.
Your Writing Assignment
Write a 1–3 paragraph informational report about your Arctic animal. Include:
- What the animal looks like
- What it eats
- Where it lives
- How it survives the cold
- One interesting or surprising fact
You may either write in your notebook, or type your writing in the Creative Writing Application below so it saves into the Parent/Teacher Account.
Creative Writing Application
Arctic Animals – Activities