My PolarTREC expedition to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica was an experience of a lifetime. Notice I did not use the word “trip” of a lifetime. This was far more than a trip. It was an experience that is a life-changer. It has been a life-changer for myself, my students, my family, other educators, and other folks
PolarConnect Event with Kevin Dickerson and Dr. Byron Adams discussing the science and field work taking place for the Dry Valleys Ecosystem Study in Antarctica. This event took place on 6 February 2019.
In this investigation, students will measure production of CO2 from surface water and consider the role of surface waters in the global carbon cycle and climate change. They will gather data on using Vernier CO2 sensors. This lesson presents a wonderful opportunity for student-designed experiments.
This is a good lesson to get students thinking about the complexity of the systems involved in providing our society with energy, the consequences of energy use and efficiency. Students are encouraged to explore the data sets on their own, ask their own questions about energy use and present their findings to each other.
This outreach piece in Nature describes the aspects of bringing various guests on field science expeditions. The PolarTREC program is a focus amongst the programs providing some best practices as the author offers advice to scientists considering the addition of guests on expeditions.
Journal article about Lesley Urasky's PolarTREC expedition, Glacial History in Antarctica, published in "In the Trenches", the news magazine of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
An article about Lesley Urasky's PolarTREC expedition, Glacial History in Antarctica during the 2010-2011 research season that appeared in the University of Wyoming's Alumnews.
The long-term objective of PolarTREC teacher Lesley Urasky's expedition research in Antarctica (Glacial History in Antarctica) is to determine the rate at which glaciers have receded since the Last Glacial Maximum. This lesson is designed to give students an understanding of the Last Glacial Maximum, the climatic conditions that lead to glacial periods, and how the rate of glacial