Horitzó Antàrtida 2035
‘Horitzó Antàrtida 2035’ (Horizon Antarctica 2035) brings polar science into primary schools in a participatory, creative, and engaging way. Aimed at students from 3rd to 6th grade (ages 8–12), this free educational game consists of four sessions designed to introduce young learners to Antarctic research and highlight the continent’s crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. Teachers can run the activities independently thanks to a comprehensive guide included with the game materials. (Please note: Game materials and resources are currently available only in Catalan).
Developed by researchers at the Marine and Polar Microbes and Pollutants Lab, ‘Horitzó Antàrtida 2035’ encourages students to work in teams, solve challenges, and make decisions similar to those faced by real polar expedition teams.
How does it work?
The game is divided into 4 consecutive sessions, which we recommend running on different days:
Session 1 – Project launch and introduction to Antarctica
Students receive a letter from the UN asking for their help to solve scientific challenges and protect Antarctica. The class is divided into 4 specialized teams: biology, geology, engineering, and climatology.
Session 2 – Live connection with Antarctic scientists
A live video call with researchers on location in the Antarctic Peninsula, where they share their work and answer student questions. Note: If researchers are not on expedition at the time, this session will feature a pre-recorded video or an in-person visit from a scientist, depending on availability when booking.
Session 3 – Hands-on workshop: “Antarctic knowledge”
Students complete three practical activities: a team-specific specialization dynamic (biologists, geologists, engineers, and climatologists), a thematic memory game, and a polar trivia challenge.
Session 4 – Final synthesis and wrap-up
Each specialist group prepares their conclusions, solves a scientific challenge, and presents their ideas just like a professional research team.
‘Horitzó Antàrtida 2035’ offers students a unique opportunity to discover what it’s like to conduct research on the white continent and understand the environmental challenges it faces. The project fosters critical thinking, collaborative teamwork, and curiosity about oceanography, biology, and global change.
How to request the game
Interested schools can request the materials and receive them free of charge. Please note: the game is only available in Catalan.
For more information or to bring this activity to your school, simply email us at comunicacion@idaea.csic.es