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Macquarie island lies in the southern ocean, between Antarctica and New Zealand.
A speck of green in the vast windswept sea, it is a haven for many creatures that live above and below the waves.
Macquarie Island is a small green island in the big ocean between Antarctica and New Zealand. It's a safe place for lots of animals who live in the water and on land.
The island was born millions of years ago, when colossal subterranean forces pushed the seafloor upwards over the eons. A ridge rose from the depths, until finally, its peak broke through the waves. Slowly, a whole section of the ocean floor was exposed to form Macquarie Island.
The island started a long time ago when big forces under the sea pushed the ground up. It slowly became an island as a part of the ocean floor rose up.
Activity: Write down these words and definitions (what they mean) in your book. Choose 3 words and write sentences with them.
Island: A piece of land surrounded by water.
Ocean: A really big area of salty water on Earth.
Vast: Really, really big.
Windswept: Where strong winds blow across an area.
Haven: A safe place.
Colossal: Extremely huge.
Subterranean: Underneath the ground.
Eons: A super long time, like billions of years.
Ridge: A long, raised area, like a hill.
Depths: The deepest parts of something, like the ocean.
Peak: The very top of something, like a mountain.
Exposed: When something is not covered or hidden.
Activity: Write down these words and definitions (what they mean) in your book. Choose 3 words and write sentences with them.
Island: A piece of land that is completely surrounded by water.
Ocean: A very large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth's surface.
Vast: Extremely large or wide, covering a great area.
Windswept: Exposed to strong winds that blow across an area, often causing the land to feel barren or empty.
Haven: A safe or sheltered place where someone or something can find refuge or protection.
Colossal: Extremely large or enormous in size or scale.
Subterranean: Located or occurring beneath the Earth's surface.
Eons: A very long and indefinite period of time, often used to describe billions of years.
Ridge: A long, narrow elevation of land that rises above its surroundings, like the crest of a hill or mountain.
Depths: The deepest parts of a body of water or an area that is difficult to measure or understand.
Peak: The highest point of a mountain or hill.
Exposed: Left uncovered or unprotected, often referring to something that is visible or revealed.
Write the answers to these questions in your book. Write in full sentences and check for spelling, capital letters and full stops.
1. Where is Macquarie Island?
2. What colour is Macquarie Island?
3. How long ago did Macquarie Island form?
4. How did Macquarie Island form?
5. What kinds of animals live on Macquarie Island?
6. What does "a speck of green" mean?
7. What do you think the weather is like on Macquarie Island?
8. What animals might you see on Macquarie Island?
9. Why do you think Macquarie Island is a special place?
Write the answers to these questions in your book. Write in full sentences and check for spelling, capital letters and full stops.
1. Where is Macquarie Island located?
2. Describe Macquarie Island's appearance.
3. How long ago was Macquarie Island formed?
4. What caused Macquarie Island to form?
5. What does the phrase "a haven for many creatures that live above and below the waves" tell you about the island?
6. Based on the information provided, what do you think the climate might be like on Macquarie Island?
7. Why do you think Macquarie Island is described as "a speck of green" in the ocean?
8. What type of animals might you expect to find living on Macquarie Island, based on the description provided?
9. How do you think the island's location between Antarctica and New Zealand might affect the types of creatures that live there?
10. Why do you think Macquarie Island is referred to as a "haven"?