Betsy Wilkening
About
Betsy Wilkening graduated from the University of Arizona in 1982 with a degree in chemical engineering, and has since worn many hats including: process and systems engineer, stay-at-home mom, pre-school science teacher, high school chemistry teacher, and currently is a 7th grade teacher. As part of her environmental, earth, and space science classes, Mrs. Wilkening’s students participate in light pollution studies, water monitoring, and go on an annual field trip to the Grand Canyon. In addition, her students have been participating in the International Polar Year since the kick-off in 2007. By working in the Arctic, she wants her students to understand the connection between our actions, arctic climate change, and the subsequent climate change in the southwest. Mrs. Wilkening commutes to school all year round on her bicycle, and, when she has time, she runs, swims, rafts, camps, hikes, plays water polo, surfs, and does triathlons and half-marathons.
Betsy Wilkening's Content
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March 30, 2013 Pipelines, Permafrost and Polar Sundaes |
Read Full Journal | 31 March 2013 |
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March 31, 2013 An Action-Packed Week in Fairbanks, Alaska! |
Read Full Journal | 31 March 2013 |
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March 27, 2013 Science Below Zero |
Read Full Journal | 29 March 2013 |
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March 25, 2013 Open North American Championship Dog Race |
Read Full Journal | 25 March 2013 |
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March 24, 2013 Chasing Aurora |
Read Full Journal | 24 March 2013 |
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February 24, 2011 Lakes on Fire? |
Read Full Journal | 25 February 2011 |
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February 23, 2011 Fun In the Ice Park |
Read Full Journal | 24 February 2011 |
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February 22, 2011 Reindeer Research Program |
Read Full Journal | 23 February 2011 |
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February 21, 2011 A Snowy Fairbanks, Alaska |
Read Full Journal | 21 February 2011 |
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July 21, 2010 Everyone is Affected |
Read Full Journal | 21 July 2010 |
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| OASIS Researchers Blog | Web Link | 20 February 2013 | |
| Online NewsHour: Polar Discoveries | Web Link | 28 November 2011 | |
| Arctic Stories | Web Link | 28 November 2011 | |
| An OASIS of Science | Web Link | 28 November 2011 | |
| Why Can’t I Eat this Fish? | Lesson | 8 October 2011 | |
| Bioaccumulation of Toxins | Lesson | 7 October 2011 | |
| Snow Business | Article | 28 January 2011 | |
| Thrills and chills are in store for Wilson teacher | Article | 28 January 2011 | |
| Amphitheater School District Newsletter | Article | 28 January 2011 | |
| A Trip of a Lifetime | Article | 28 January 2011 |
| Title | Forum | Posted |
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Scientific Instrumentation |
Antarctic Sub Glacial Lake and Stream Studies | December 2, 2012 - 3:47pm |
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Moon Pool |
Ecosystem Study of the Chukchi Shoal | August 15, 2012 - 7:09pm |
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Biologist Questions |
Microbial Activity in Thawing Arctic Permafrost | July 2, 2011 - 8:07am |
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Student Research Areas |
Greenland Education Tour 2011 | July 1, 2011 - 7:37pm |
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Safe Travels and Aerosol Question |
Atmospheric Conditions and Arctic Climate | June 25, 2011 - 11:17am |
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Nanuk |
Microbial Activity in Thawing Arctic Permafrost | June 25, 2011 - 10:59am |
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Rafting the San Juan |
Forest Response to Arctic Environmental Change | June 14, 2011 - 12:33pm |
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Any Volcano Delays? |
Biology of Antarctic Fishes | June 14, 2011 - 12:26pm |
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Weather Reports from Summit and Neem |
Solar Radiation on the Greenland Icesheet 2011 | June 3, 2011 - 11:04am |
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Aurora 6/4 |
Biology of Antarctic Fishes | June 3, 2011 - 11:09am |













Susan, Yes I did come up to Fairbanks for vacation last week. Luckily it was clear every night. We are keeping fingers crossed that it will be clear later this week. We are getting a bit of snow now.
{read more}Betsy
Thanks Mike that really helps! Talk to you soon.
{read more}Betsy
Sorry to hear that. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.
{read more}Hello,
The bromine that may have been in the snow would not affect humans at that low of a concentration. The scientists were interested in the presence of bromine because it can react with affect the concentration of other substances in the atmosphere. One of the things they were...{read more}
-40F is the same as -40C. I learned that when I was in Barrow because the wind chill reached -40. I also learned that the students get a snow day in Barrow when the air temp, not the wind chill, is -50F. They lost track of all of the snow days they had in 2008/09.
{read more}Will you be carrying bear spray with you when you go out on the tundra?
{read more}Hi Keri,
I did not make it out of Barrow, but just worked in the BASC area. I worked with OASIS (Ocean, Atmosphere, Sea Ice and Snowpack) project. We had scientists from all over US and around the world on project (about 20-40 people in Barrow at one time). I worked mostly with the...{read more}
Heidi,
That would be cool either way. We might be able to swing by the lab in April when our 7th graders are up in No AZ. We are on a tight schedule, but maybe we can make it even tighter! Good Luck in Antarctica.
Betsy
{read more}Cristina,
They just had a CME (coronal Mass ejection) from the sun. They have rated tonight (monday 10/19) a 3 on the GI website. Tomorrow may be good also. Good luck with the clouds!!
Betsy
{read more}Hi Cristina,
I'm glad you got to see at least a little bit of the aurora. I know it is frustrating when you are that far north and the display is not very good. You might try checking out this website:
http://www.gedds....{read more}