Learning Objective: Students will compare and contrast the hottest place and the coldest place Earth.
Death Valley is the hottest place in the world. It is a burning-hot desert. There is not much rain. Not much grows.
Antarctica is the coldest place in the world. It is covered with snow. Cold winds blow across the ice.
If you had to pick one, where would you rather live?
The Hottest Place
How Hot Is It?
It is so hot, you can fry an egg on the ground! Crack the egg. Hear it sizzle. It cooks in the heat of the desert sun.
What Animals Would You See?
Ooow!
Snakes, rabbits, and coyotes live here. But you might not see them.
Most of the animals sleep in the day when it is hot.
At night, you can hear coyotes howl. Ooow!
Do People Really Live Here?
Not many families live here. The hot temperature can be dangerous. People get inside when it is too hot. But playing in the sand looks fun!
Would you want to live in Death Valley?
The Coldest Place
How Cold Is It?
It is so cold, your lunch might freeze. Look at what happens when you take noodles outside. They are frozen stiff in the cold!
What Animals Would You See?
Honk!
It’s too cold here for most animals. But it is not too cold for penguins. They stay in big groups called colonies.
All those penguins make a lot of noise. Honk, honk!
Do People Really Live Here?
Only scientists stay here. They learn about the place. The cold can be dangerous. They need special clothes to keep warm. But making a snow fort looks fun!
Would you want to live in Antarctica?
