In a “March Madness” game of survival of the fittest, will your microbe and its genes survive the test of changing conditions on Planet Earth and beyond? Students choose genes from a “toolbox” and pit their microbe against their classmates’, using critical thinking and argument writing to determine the microbe with the best chance of success. Based on PolarTREC
Analogs are used in science investigations to better understand systems we can’t access ourselves. In this lesson, students explore the Dry Valleys of Antarctica to better understand microbial communities on early Earth and what might have been possible on ancient Mars. Students will examine photographs, written descriptions, and artistic renderings of early Earth, the Dry Valley lakes, and
This article summarizes the research of cyanobacterial mats in Lake Joyce during the 2014 field season. It describes the importance of the mats to better understand Earth history and understanding of other planetary systems. Additionally, it describes the sediment trap experiement that will conclude in the next field season.
On 6 October 2014, Capital Public Radio in Sacramento, CA interviewed Dawn Sumner, Tyler Mackey and Lucy Coleman on connections between the research in Lake Joyce, Antarctica, and work by the Mars Curiosity rover. To listen to the interview, click here.
Cups decorated by students at the Monona Grove School District, Monona WI. Some of them will be shrunk by sending them to the bottom of the Ocean around Antarctica. during the 2011-2012 PolarTREC expedition "Sea water property changes in the Southern Ocean"
Trip to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA to meet Dr. Jim Swift and team members that will participate in the 2011-2012 PolarTREC expedition "Sea water property changes in the Southern Ocean" (www.polartrec.com
A video showing the flight path from Madison, WI to McMurdo Station in Antarctica fro the PolarTREC Expedition: Sea water property changes in the Southern Sea. Visit www.polartrec.com
A video showing the ride from downtown Christchurch to the Clothing Distribution Center for traveling to Antarctica. Mainly to show what is like to drive on the left side of the road for a person not used to this. Visit www.polartrec.com for more information on this project
Loading the main lab of the NB Palmer for the CLIVAR-Carbon N4P cruise. A picture avery 5 min for 7.5 hours. PolarTREC Project: Sea water property changes in the Southern Sea. February 19, 2011
Loading the research vessel NB Palmer for the CLIVAR-Carbon N4P cruise. PolarTREC Project: Sea water property changes in the Southern Sea. February 19, 2011