22 May 2012 Presentations, Preparing, and Packing

Journal

Kindergarten students from Cartoogechaye Elementary modeling ECW gear — Kindergarten students modeling ECW gear

What could be more fun than trying on authentic Extreme Cold Weather () gear worn by scientists in the Arctic regions? Over the past few months I've been lucky enough to travel to classrooms around our school district, letting students try on the gear and talking to them about my upcoming expedition. I also was able to set up a display in our local library for the summer; below is a picture of me with a poster to go along with my display. Thanks, librarians!

setting up ECW gear display at library for the summer — Setting up my expedition display at the Macon County library

I've had a lot of support from our school district, and especially my school, Macon Early College High School. Several students are particularly interested in following my expedition journals over the summer and will be getting credit for following along with the expedition, writing short research papers, and designing an experiment we can do this summer in the tundra.

MEC students ready to gain extra credit and knowledge this summer — MEC students Noah, Scott, Jordan, Rachel, and Casey. Ms. Steiner in the background.

One exciting part of my preparations was an interview with our local paper, The Franklin Press. The article generated a lot of interest in the community and it's been funny being recognized around town as that person going to the Arctic! My wonderful faculty and students got together and had a giant laminated copy made. This article will be posted in our school during the next school year.

Principal of Macon Early College, Mr. Todd Gibbs, presenting Ms. Steiner with la — a giant laminated article about my expedition!

Finally, the time has come to pack up my gear for six weeks in the tundra!

moving day before leaving for Alaska — Household in a garage!

Woops, wrong picture! We just happened to also move over the past week, and that's what has filled our new garage. Glad I don't have to take all of that along!