PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic and Antarctic) is a program of the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in which K-12 teachers participate in polar research, working closely with scientists as a pathway to improving science education. PolarTREC builds on the outstanding scientific and cultural opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic to link research and education through intriguing topics that will engage students and the wider public. PolarTREC is a three-year (2007-2009) IPY project that builds on the strengths of the past TREC program in the Arctic to embrace a wider range of research activities occurring at both poles during and after the International Polar Year.

The main components of PolarTREC include:

Polar Field Research Experience

The core of the PolarTREC program is the field research experience, whereby PolarTREC teachers participate in field research in the Arctic or Antarctic for two to six weeks. Selected research projects represent the leading edge of scientific inquiry and include the K-12 teacher as an integral part of the science team.

Classroom and Public Connections

While in the field, teachers and researchers connect with classrooms and the public through use of Internet tools such as online teacher and researcher journals, message boards, photo albums, podcasts, “Live from the International Polar Year” calls and presentations from the field, and online learning resources.

After the field experience, teachers and researchers continue to share their experience with the public through public presentations, scientific conferences, teacher workshops, and journal articles. Each PolarTREC teacher will also create instructional activities to transfer scientific data, methodologies, and technology into their classrooms.

Professional Development

PolarTREC provides professional development opportunities for teachers who participate in field research projects as well as educators who connect through the Internet. PolarTREC provides a variety of content, tools, and web seminars geared towards subject matter learning, teaching practices, and alignment of PolarTREC experiences with current professional teaching standards. At the end of the project period, a culminating ShareFair workshop will be held to present and share PolarTREC products and results among PolarTREC participants and other interested educators, researchers, and agency personnel.

Sustained Community and Support

The PolarTREC program is designed to extend the experience beyond field research to support a sustained community of teachers, scientists, students, and the public through online seminars, an e-mail listserve, and teacher-to-teacher peer groups. New PolarTREC teachers will have the opportunity to work closely with an experienced Partner Teacher (teachers that have participated in a teacher research experience) on aspects of their research experience and educational plans.

PolarTREC Goals and Objectives

The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and IPY researchers together through hands-on field experiences. Specifically, the PolarTREC objectives are to:

• Improve teacher content knowledge of multidisciplinary polar science with a focus on the three NSF IPY science emphasis areas – Ice Sheet History and Dynamics, Adaptations to Life in Extreme Cold and Prolonged Darkness; and the Arctic Observing Network/Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH).

• Improve teacher instructional practices, especially the use of inquiry-based learning to translate polar science to the classroom.

• Improve polar researchers’ understanding of and engagement in K-12 education to strengthen and enrich outreach and dissemination of their research.

• Increase students’ understanding of and engagement in the polar regions, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

PolarTREC Logistics Providers

VECO Polar Resources (VPR) and Raytheon Polar Services provide logistical support to PolarTREC teachers embarking on field expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. VECO is the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) arctic logistics contractor and supports NSF-funded researchers and personnel working across the Arctic by coordinating travel, logistics and equipment needs. Raytheon Polar Services provides all logistical support to the United States Antarctic Program by arranging travel, medical clearance and providing cold weather clothing and equipment to all US participants. Whether PolarTREC teachers are battling mosquitoes on the Alaskan tundra or braving wind storms at the South Pole they are always well prepared for their expeditions thanks to our collaboration with these logistical providers.

For more information please contact info@polartrec.com or call ARCUS at 907-474-1600.