5th Grade: Tundra Adventurers

Journey Across Frozen Realms

Five reindeer grazing on snow-covered ground with mountains and a setting sun in the background.

In 5th Grade: Tundra Adventurers, students traverse alpine and Arctic tundra environments to study permafrost, plant hardiness, and animal survival strategies under extreme conditions. They learn how seasonal daylight shifts and frigid temperatures shape life in these sparse, windswept landscapes.

Through snowmelt mapping, permafrost core sampling, and Indigenous tundra storytelling, children deepen both scientific reasoning and creative expression. This immersive, hands‐on approach fosters resilience, curiosity, and a profound respect for cold climate ecosystems.

Biome Overview
Tundra regions are defined by frozen subsoil (permafrost), low growing vegetation, and short growing seasons. Harsh winds, extreme cold, and seasonal light cycles demand remarkable adaptations from plants and animals.

Key Concepts

  • Permafrost formation and melt dynamics

  • Cold weather plant and animal adaptations

  • Seasonal daylight and energy budgets

  • Tundra nutrient cycling and soil health

  • Indigenous knowledge of Arctic stewardship

Focal Points

  • Silhouette of a boy reading a book at sunset with a cloudy sky

    Internal

    Who Are We?

    Guided “ice breath” meditations help students connect their own rhythms to the stark, silent beauty of the tundra.

  • A small animal, possibly a fox or coyote pup, lying on a rock among trees and rocks in a natural outdoor setting.

    External

    Who Lives Here?

    Learners identify tundra species such as lichens, Arctic foxes, and caribou, while exploring Sami and Inuit stories about northern landscapes.

  • Close-up of yellow grass blades with dew drops and sunlight creating a glowing effect.

    Metaphysical

    What’s Happening?

    Students measure permafrost depths, record temperature gradients, and observe how seasonal freeze-thaw cycles reshape the land.

  • Close-up of tree roots growing over rocky ground with some green and brown leaves amidst the roots.

    Interconnection

    How Are We Connected?

    By tracing water flow from melting snow to rivers, children see how tundra ecosystems link to downstream habitats and global climate systems.

Subjects & Learning Domains

A sign on a white wall reads, 'Love to Learn' in black letters on a yellow background, with a purple and beige border on the left side. In the background, a person wearing sunglasses, a hoodie, and jeans walks along a sidewalk during sunset.

  • Students build strength and balance by waddling like penguins and leaping like Arctic foxes in themed races. A simple “ice floe” obstacle course and snowball relay games add playful, tundra-inspired activity.

  • Interactive readings of polar folktales and first-person expedition accounts inspire literacy and cultural empathy.

  • Students paint aurora borealis skies with watercolor gradients.

  • Hands-on labs include permafrost core drills, lichen identification, and snowmelt water testing, bringing tundra science to life.

  • Field journals and labeled ecosystem diagrams help children document observations with clarity and creativity.

  • “Reflection circles” around a faux campfire encourage empathy, gratitude, and emotional resilience in a group setting.