Next on our trip Around the World in 50 Experiments is Lapland!
Lapland is a huge region in northern Finland. It extends from the Arctic Circle to the borders of Norway and Sweden. The original people of Lapland are the Sami people. Many still live a traditional lifestyle.
Lapland has a varied landscape, including forests, arctic wilderness and large hills.
Lapland Facts for Kids
Summer is short.
There are more reindeer than humans!
Lapland has a history of gold mining! Visitors can learn pan for gold in Tankavaara Gold Village and Kakslauttanen Arctic resort.
Santa Claus is said to live in Lapland. You can visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Lapland has some of the cleanest air in the world.
The local Sami people use 8 seasons to describe the changing weather conditions throughout the year. As well as the usual spring, summer, autumn and winter they include transitions between seasons.
Lapland is home to many interesting animals, including arctic foxes, brown bears, reindeer, moose and the Wolverine!
Arctic Animal Adaptations
Arctic animals have several adaptations to allow them to thrive in their harsh environment.
Wolverine
- thick, dense fur for insulation
- Powerful jaws and teeth for crushing bones and frozen meat
- large paws to act like snowshoes
- sharp claws
Arctic Fox
- thick, dense fur for insulation
- fur turns white in winter for cameouflage
- small ears to reduce heat loss.
- fur on paws for insulation and to grip on ice and snow
- the ability to digest bones and fur
Brown Bear
- thick fur for insulation
- layer of fat for warmth
- hibernate in winter
Reindeer
- thick fur for insulation.
- hairy hooves to stop snow sticking and clogging up the hooves.
- wide hooves to distribute their weight evenly on the snow.
Create a Mix Up Arctic Animal
Creat your own mic up Arctic animal using adapatations from real animals.
More Lapland Science Activity Ideas
Try one my Santa STEM challenges.
Royal Museums Greenwich has some fantastic Northern Lights science activities.
Where will you go next in our journey around the world.
Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
