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).