August 3, 2012 Follow Along

And so it begins

After a long goodbye to the family, I stepped into the airport to begin my 2012 PolarTREC expedition. After 18 hours of traveling, I hope to arrive in Dutch Harbor with my large duffel bag tonight.

Student Booklet

Students can easily follow the expedition with a student journal. Click journal then click document to download a copy of the booklet or click the RESOURCE tab above.

Cover of the Student Booklet

Ever wonder what is the difference between a gangway and gangplank? Check out the nautical terms on the second page of the booklet. Keep reading and you will discover some of the ship’s characteristics.

Last year, PolarTREC teacher Bill Schmoker created an informative video about the Healy and ship talk. Enjoy!

Final photos of the day

Lunch at Seattle airport

A tasty treat from the Seattle Airport - Salmon taco!

There are 5 species of salmon that are found in Alaska. Any easy mnemonic finder rhyme helps me remember. Hold up you five fingers: Thumb is for CHUM; Point your index like you are going to sock and poke someone in the eye. Index is for SOCKEYE; Tall finger is for KING; Ring finger is for SILVER (like a silver ring); And pinky is for PINK. Now you have it-- chum, sockeye, king, silver, and pink.

Students-- guess what was handed out to passengers on the propeller plane to Dutch Harbor. Send your reply to “Ask the Team”