Journal

What are you doing while you are in Alaska?

When I introduced the idea of PolarTREC, orientation in Alaska and my specific expedition to my students, they all expressed their support and interest in the opportunity. They also started asking questions. As a teacher, I love hearing students' questions and helping to guide them towards the correct answers...unless I simply have no idea how to properly answer their question. I found myself in this situation each time my students asked me about my trip to Alaska for the PolarTREC orientation. The first (and most popular question was: Ms. P - what are you doing while you are in Alaska? It wasn't until day one of orientation was complete that I really had a sense of what I would be doing - I was going to LEARN.

It's Just Like Riding a Bike

Lectures, note-taking, questions and homework. Yes, homework.

Homework at the Westmark Hotel
Ms. Pekarcik and other PolarTREC teachers complete nightly homework assignments to prepare for their time in the field.

This week has plunged me back into the world of a student - and I love it! I am humbled by how little I know about polar science, climate change, text editing, etc. But, the student in me loves this process - learning new information is part of life and something that I always enjoy. So, I will take as many notes as possible, ask as many questions as I can and complete ALL my homework assignments.

Orientation sessions
PolarTREC teachers learn polar science, technology and outreach at daily orientation sessions.

Hopefully, I will inspire students and adults alike to be life-long learners - to seek out new opportunities to learn and to always be open to learning.

Details
Author
Cara Pekarcik
Date
Location
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center
Expedition
Southern Ocean Diatoms

View Comments

Comments

Tue, 02/09/2016 - 11:15

Dominique Richardson

It's great to be able to learn all of this new information with like-minded teachers. Do you have a favorite fact you've learned so far? There will be so much more amazing information to learn on your expedition as well. I'm looking forward to soaking in all the new science you have to share in your expedition journals!

Tue, 02/09/2016 - 19:51

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Dominique - I am looking forward to sharing new science with interested folks! If I had to pick just one favorite fact, I would say it was part of the talk given by Bethany Jenkins (my PolarTREC researcher). Bethany was discussing current changes in the Antarctic region. She mentioned that changes in the amount of ice not only changes with regards to seasonality, but that it is also different depending on the location on the continent. Areas near the western Antarctica peninsula are reporting less ice, while areas near the Ross Sea are reporting increases in ice. It points out the different changes that can happen across such a large continent and why so many researchers (and seven PolarTREC teachers) are spread out across the Antarctic this year. Research is needed across all areas of the polar regions to really understand the changes in each region and, ultimately, the impacts.

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 03:31

Brian Casey

Cara, What an amazing opportunity this is! Congratulations. I'm looking forward to hearing about your research.

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 07:46

Cara Pekarcik

Thanks Brian - I hope to be able to bring the ecology/biology but also the chemistry (and other branches) to all of my fellow teachers. I hope you will be able to use some of this information with your Chemistry classes!

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 16:36

Paulette Knor

I love our Earth and am so thankful for friends like you who cherish where we live and all the creatures who live there! Please take special care of yourself and all of those with you!

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 19:26

Lisa Seff

Hi Cara! I'll have to tell Larry Liddle and Howard Reisman that you're on a PolarTREC adventure! They'll be so excited to hear about your research! (I'm a 1986 graduate, and originally from the Cape). Great first journals, and yes-the learning has only just begun, and the great part of PolarTREC is-the learning never ends! Janet, Sarah and the tech-crew do an amazing job of preparing you, personally, as well as preparing you to bring the science to your students and the world! Have fun, do your homework and most importantly...get some sleep too! I look forward to following your journals!

Wed, 09/14/2016 - 17:57

Raymond R. Chi…

If you could be a part of another expedition but pick where you would go, where would it be?

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 21:48

Cara Pekarcik

Hi Lisa - so nice to meet a SC and PolarTREC alum! Thank you for the support. You are correct - the PolarTREC staff is helping me in so many ways - I have even made my first video. The support and knowledge is amazing and I know that I will be ready for anything (well, almost anything) that comes up in the field. I look forward to sharing my experience with you and other readers.

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 21:50

Cara Pekarcik

PK - I will do my best to spread the message about this wonderful place we call home. Thank you for following me in the journey!

Fri, 02/12/2016 - 11:19

Guest

I'm interested in the CO2/permafrost connection.

Fri, 02/12/2016 - 12:08

Cara Pekarcik

Thanks! I won't be in an area with permafrost, but I will do my best to relay information related to the diatoms and their use of and storage of CO2 - keep checking back to find out more!

Thu, 09/15/2016 - 04:58

Cara Pekarcik

Raymond - thank you for this question. I love adventure and learning new things, so I would honestly be up for any type of expedition.
Antarctica has always been an interest of mine, so I feel very fortunate
that I get to experience this amazing place and work with amazing people
on this research cruise.

On 2016-09-14 16:57, PolarTREC wrote: