This lesson introduces worldwide travel, climates and maps to students in a fun and simple way. The students easily relate to the children in the story as we travel from the poles to the equator to learn about the effect the sun has on our earth. We also introduce the concept of the earth as a sphere, which can be portrayed on a 'flat' map.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the program, talk about the weather in the students' lives. Have they ever been in very hot or cold climates? Do they know why it is hot or cold? Have the students show what they would do if they were very cold (i.e., shiver) or very hot (i.e., wipe their brows). Does the weather determine their clothing choices?

We start the lesson by introducing the areas of the globe and how they represent different areas of our earth. As soon as the children understand this principle, they have the opportunity to create their own maps.

Hands-on Activity - Students will be given one drawing of a world map. They will also be given two sheets of continent outlines to color. These will then be cut out to paste onto their world maps. Teachers can determine whether to have these precut or have the students cut their own shapes. Following the lines will be harder for some than others, but creative expression and effort can be encouraged. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about the different colors on the maps and globes and what they represent.

"Mandela and Phillipe's Trip to the Poles"
This is a fun exercise for children to work together as a group. Our trip includes a helicopter ride to the North Pole and will allow us to experience a variety of temperature changes. The touch-screen game allows the students to monitor the temperature as it rises and falls, while a student adjusts the heater button accordingly. Students must pay close attention and make the right assessment as to whether it is warmer or colder, and what action to take. Teamwork is important to make this a successful flight! The class continues their journey to the North Pole to learn about the sun's effect on that part of the earth.

"North American Refueling Stop"
After learning that the North Pole is frigid and lifeless, the story introduces the question; what is on the opposite side of the globe? A refueling stop for the helicopter is necessary first. The touch-screen heater button is still being used.
The teacher can use a classroom globe to emphasize how far a trip from pole to pole would be. Stopping in North America (no specific location is given, so the teacher has the option to choose a location to study, if desired).
The story characters (Mandela and Phillipe) continue with their helicopter ride, landing for supplies. At the landing site, an Eskimo child introduces our travelers to a different type of cold climate. This stop offers an opportunity to discuss visiting other lands and the hospitality show by inhabitants as the children acquire supplies.

"Polar Bear Maze"
This touch-screen game is a fun maze. As students are learning about the animals and weather in the northern part of the world, they are playing a game that requires them to maneuver the story character icon through a maze to avoid a bear and safely return to the helicopter. Since the bear never really catches them, this game is exciting and always ensures a positive outcome. Motor skills are exercised and the participating student has an opportunity to complete a task successfully.

"South Pole"
As the students continue on the touch-screen journey, they understand that they are going from the extreme northern part of the earth the southern most extreme. As the story progresses, more children have the chance to regulate the heater button and understand the need to persist. The students are being introduced to new wildlife and ever-changing climates as they trek through previously unexplored areas of the globe. Research stations at the South Pole are mentioned, and teachers can, as an option, use this opportunity to discuss the types of research performed at these outposts. This is a good time to utilize the classroom globe to illustrate this new location in a three-dimensional way.
Optional Tip: Use a flashlight to reinforce the concept of the sun's rays and how difficult it is for them to reach the earth's poles.

"Equator"
This part of the journey illustrates the extreme contrasts in climates. The lesson also introduces another type of flora and fauna, as well as clothing needs. On the way, the children will need to be aware of the temperature change, thereby using the air conditioning button instead of heat. Talk about the differences in heaters and air conditioners.
Touch-screen Activity - This hidden picture image of a rainforest contains indigenous children peeking out from behind plants. Students are to find these images and highlight them by touching the image on the Learning Station. Talk about the difference in clothing. Also talk about the similarities of the rainforest environment and the students' neighborhood.
Videotaping Activity - After learning about these diverse geographic locations, students have the opportunity to tell what they have learned during videotaped presentations.
Optional Tip: In addition to using the pictures on the Learning Station, some students may want to describe what they learned by using the globe and/or flashlight. This might be a good 'assignment' for the more advanced child.

"Seasons and Hemispheres"
This part of the lesson reminds the students that the equator encompasses the entire globe, and rays from the sun reach the earth differently at different times of the year. The opposite seasons of the northern and southern hemisphere have been introduced, so the teacher may want to elaborate on this topic relative to the school's location. During this segment, the story characters return home from their journey. Their home is in central Europe. It is recommended that topical specifics be included in the teacher's lesson plan. Temperate zone seasons and the required clothing are covered on the Learning Station.

"World Map"
This touch-screen activity demonstrates another function of maps. It also encourages discussion about another aspect of climate - rainfall. A second map then demonstrates plant growth. Talk about how they are related. Discuss with the class the map key and what each icon represents. Ask them to tell you why each icon was chosen. This is a good chance to impress upon the students that the maps are always the same geographical areas, but are used to represent different things.

"FasTracKids' Clothing Choices"
This is a fun touch-screen activity for students as they can identify with the story's children and their clothing choices. This can be done individually or as a group task. It is a good opportunity to encourage child who is shy or new to the class to participate.
Optional Tip - In some classroom situations, this is a chance to compare names that different children use for these clothing items. It is also an opportunity to talk about climate changes in your own area and how we adapt for these changes.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review the difference between the North Pole and the South Pole
What is the Equator and where is it located?
What is a globe? A map?
Review oceans and continents and their location on a globe.
Review thermometers, heaters and air conditioners.
What does the sun do to the earth?
What does the take-home coloring picture illustrate? Describe.

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - Parents handout
World map drawing and cutouts of continents to glue
Picture of tropical and arctic images to color at home