Search Resources

Article in Polar Record written by ARCUS staff and PolarTREC alumni educators that shares impacts of participating in a Teacher Research Experience. Abstract: PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating (PolarTREC) has provided the opportunity for over 160 K-12 teachers and informal science educators from the USA to work directly with scientists in the Arctic and the Antarctic. As a Teacher

Overview

This lesson was created by 2017 PolarTREC teacher Steve Kirsche who took part in the Dynamic Observations of the Microstructural Evolution of Firn expedition. The lesson is intended to introduce students to the concepts of isostasy and postglacial rebound through a demonstration and related instruction. Students will then see how postglacial rebound is an important factor when assessing the

Overview

This lesson is intended to introduce students to the concept of using ice core samples to learn about the past. Students will be “collecting” a sample from a model of ice. They will then evaluate the sample to see how the layers change as the depth changes.

Objectives

At the completion of this lesson, students will gain a greater

Local news reporter from St. Augustine Record visits PolarTREC teacher Steve Kirsche and discusses his upcoming trip to Summit Station, Greenland.

Overview

Game incorporating polar bear eating habits.

Objectives

Students learn about polar bears.

Lesson Preparation

Have access to either a basketball court or an outdoor area that students can run in.

Procedure

1. Read Book: National Geographic Readers: Polar Bears by Laura Marsh.
2. Choose 2-3 students to be the polar bears and have them stand in the "Ice Cave"

Overview

Students read about polar regions and create models of shelter adaptations for the cold frigid climate.

Objectives

• Students will understand how humans create and survived in shelters in the polar regions.
• Math Link: Students can count how many marshmallows it takes to cover up the entire igloo.

Lesson Preparation

• Read the Book: *Igloos and the Inuit

Overview

Students will be able to understand one of the adaptations of living in cold environments.

Objectives

Describe what blubber is and how it works.

Lesson Preparation

• Partially fill a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with Crisco or shortening.
• Place another gallon-sized Ziploc bag inside.
• Merge the two bags together with duct tape.

Procedure

1. Read the books *Polar

Overview

Students learn about what type of polar animals live in the Arctic.

Objectives

Students understand the relationships between various trophic levels within the Arctic tundra.

Lesson Preparation

Prepare a picture sign for each of the organisms in the food web.

Procedure

1. KWL Chart on Polar Scientist: knows (K), wants to know (W), and has learned (L).
2. Read

USC alumna draws on undersea studies to inspire students from the USC Family of Schools.

Abstract Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines have become key focus areas in the education community of the United States. Newly adopted across the nation, Next Generation Science Standards require that educators embrace innovative approaches to teaching. Transforming classrooms to actively engage students through a combination of knowledge and practice develops conceptual understanding and application skills. The partnerships between