Throughout the twentieth century, one of the last geographic frontiers to conquer has been the unforgiving lands of the Antarctic. Guarded by the most adverse weather conditions on earth, this area has proved to be a formidable challenge to the men and women who choose to try and wrestle out an existence in its pristine wilderness. Icemen: The Cold Front would be useful for classes on World history and Culture, Military History, Geography and Ecology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• collaborator
• crucially
• evacuate
• extracted
• hapless
• meteorological
• mutiny
• persevered
• polar aviator
• posterity
• replenish
• sabotage
• scavenge
• theory
• venture
• viable

1. In the Arctic Circle, “weather is king.” What does this saying mean? How can weather rule? What are some other examples where and when weather “rules.”

2. Despite the hazards of flying in the Arctic, aviators of the 1920s and the 1930s persisted in flying in the area. Why did they continue to fly in the region regardless of the dangers?

3. Why did the British Arctic Air Expedition go to Greenland? What was their goal? Did they achieve it?

4. In an arctic tent, the pipe that extends through the top was called a “saving grace.” What is a saving grace? What are some examples of “saving graces?”

5. Sir Hubert Wilkins attempted to explore the Arctic via submarine. How did Wilkins prepare his submarine for its unusual mission?

6. The crewmembers of Wilkins’ submarine sabotaged the vessel. Why did they do this? Were they justified in doing so?

7. Discuss the role of World War II in arctic exploration.

8. Why were meteorological stations so important to both the Allied and the Axis powers in World War II?

1. Imagine that you are a member of the British Arctic Air Expedition. Write a diary or journal that tells of your adventure.

2. Design a meteorological station for the Antarctic that would survive the rigors of the region’s weather conditions.