Free Printable Antarctica Worksheets for Kids
Antarctica worksheets are a fun and educational way for kids to explore the coldest, driest, and most remote continent on Earth.
These free geography worksheets introduce students to Antarctica’s unique landscape, wildlife, and the explorers who braved its harsh conditions.
Whether you’re teaching a polar unit or looking for engaging resources to use at home or in the classroom, these printable activities offer a hands-on approach to learning about this frozen continent.
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Label the Map of Antarctica Printable
Label the map of Antarctica by identifying major ice shelves, seas, and regions, many of which are named after famous explorers.
Students will also add a compass rose to reinforce directional skills.
To build on this activity, try the Mapology World Map game or explore some of our favorite geography board games for more hands-on learning.
Antarctica Fact Sheet Questions and Answers
This printable fact sheet includes 10 simple research questions to help kids learn more about Antarctica’s size, climate, geography, and population.
It’s a great way to reinforce reading comprehension and critical thinking.
- How many countries are in Antarctica? 0
- How many permanent residents are there in Antarctica? 0
- How big is the continent of Antarctica? 5.275 million mi²
- What is the total population of Antarctica? at any given time up to 5,000 scientists
- What is the tallest mountain in Antarctica? Mount Vinson
- What is the average temperature in Antarctica? -71 degrees Fahrenheit
- What oceans are in Antarctica? Southern (Antarctic) Ocean.
- What is the biggest river in Antarctica? The Onyx River
- Is Antarctica a desert? Why or why not? YES. A desert is defined by the amount of precipitation (rain, snow, mist, and fog) in an area.
- What countries have territories in Antarctica? 7 countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom) maintain territorial claims in Antarctica. But the United States and most other countries do not recognize those claims.
Looking to expand this lesson? The World card game is another fun way to test your geography knowledge.
Printable Antarctica Word Search for Kids
This printable Antarctica word search is a fun way for kids to review key vocabulary while building focus and pattern recognition.
Words are hidden in all directions, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and even backward, to make it more challenging. An answer key is included for easy reference.
Tip: Use a highlighter or circle the words—don’t cross them out, since some letters appear in more than one word!
The 18 words to find are:
- Antarctica
- Glacier
- Blizzard
- Global
- Warming
- Frostbite
- Atmosphere
- Climate
- Cold
- Amundsen
- Ice Shelf
- Iceberg
- Latitude
- Expedition
- South Pole
- Continent
- Penguins
- Whales
Printable word searches like this are a great option for classroom transitions, early finishers, or quiet time.
Antarctic Explorers Word Scramble
This Antarctic explorers word scramble challenges kids to unscramble the names of 12 famous figures connected to the exploration of Antarctica.
It’s a great way to reinforce history and geography in a fun, hands-on format. An answer key is included.
Names to Unscramble:
- James Clark Ross
- Richard Evelyn Byrd
- Roald Amundsen
- Ernest Shackleton
- Charles Wilkes
- Douglas Mawson
- Bellinghausen
- William Bankes Amery (not an explorer but included as the Amery Ice Shelf was named after him.)
- Wilhelm Filchner
- Carl A. Larsen
- David Brunt
- James Weddell
This free word scramble printable is great for the classroom, the library, or homeschooling.
Antarctica Explorer Biography Worksheet
This worksheet invites students to choose one famous Antarctic explorer and write a short biography based on their contributions to polar exploration.
Each explorer has something in Antarctica named after them, whether it’s a sea, ice shelf, or landmass, making this a meaningful way to connect geography and history.
Explorers to Research:
- Roald Amundsen (interesting fact – Roald Dahl was named after him!)
- Ernest Shackleton
- James Clark Ross
- Richard Evelyn Byrd
- Charles Wilkes
- Bellinghausen
- Douglas Mawson – named the William Bankes Amery after a British civil servant who represented the UK government in Australia.
- Wilhelm Filchner
- Carl A. Larsen
- James Weddell
Links are provided to help students get started with their research.
Fun Facts About Antarctica for Kids
Here are some fun and interesting facts about Antarctica that kids will enjoy:
- Antarctica is home to the emperor penguin. The largest species of penguin, which can grow up to four feet tall!
- Despite the cold, some creatures still manage to survive in Antarctica. Such as the Antarctic fur seal and the Weddell seal.
- Antarctica is the only continent without any countries, cities, or permanent residents. It’s like a giant ice wilderness!
- The ice on Antarctica is so thick (up to 4.7 km in some places!) that it actually depresses the continent’s bedrock by more than 1 km.
- Antarctica is the driest continent on Earth. With some areas getting less precipitation than the Sahara Desert.
- The South Pole, located in Antarctica, receives 24 hours of sunlight during the summer and 24 hours of darkness during the winter!
- If you were to visit Antarctica, you would need to bring your own food and supplies. As there are no restaurants or grocery stores on the continent.
- Some scientists believe that there may be hidden lakes and rivers beneath the ice in Antarctica, which could potentially support life.
- Antarctica is a great place to study climate change, as the ice holds a record of the Earth’s past climate going back thousands of years!
- The first explorers to reach the South Pole were Roald Amundsen of Norway and his team in 1911. Beating the British explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his team by just a few weeks.
Books About Antarctica for Kids
Looking to expand your Antarctica unit? These children’s geography books are perfect for exploring the icy continent through engaging stories and fascinating facts:
- Except Antarctica – A hilarious picture book that plays with animal facts and surprises readers with a twist.
- A Kid’s Guide to Antarctica – A simple and informative introduction to the continent’s geography, wildlife, and scientific importance.
- Antarctica a Continent of Wonder – Packed with beautiful images and facts, this book highlights what makes Antarctica so unique.
- Dreamy Antarctica – A poetic, gentle look at the frozen landscape, perfect for bedtime or quiet reading.
- Where is Antarctica? – From the popular “Where Is?” series, this book provides historical and scientific context in a kid-friendly format.
- The Frozen Worlds: Explores both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, filled with detailed facts, illustrations, and environmental insights.
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Arctic and Antarctic Animal Worksheets
Explore the fascinating world of polar habitats with this collection of educational worksheets. While much of the focus is on Antarctica, these activities also introduce kids to Arctic wildlife, helping them compare and contrast life in the coldest parts of the planet.
- Label the parts of a penguin worksheet: Kids can learn about penguin anatomy and how these birds are built for swimming and surviving in icy waters.
- Penguin memory match game: A fun way to boost memory skills while learning to identify different penguin species.
- Penguin life cycle worksheet: This printable traces the stages of a penguin’s life, from egg to adult, and highlights their unique adaptations for Antarctic survival.
- Label the parts of a polar bear worksheet: Focuses on the physical adaptations that help polar bears thrive in Arctic environments.
- Life cycle of a polar bear worksheet: Explains each stage of a polar bear’s life, emphasizing the challenges they face from birth to maturity.
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Last Updated on 30 April 2025 by Clare Brown