This is a STEM-based lesson that can be taught in class or online. Students will analyze Weddell seal pup growth data, collected by the Growing Up on Ice, B-030, research team. To use this lesson virtually, include the data cards and have students either construct graphs and upload an image of their graph, or construct a graph and share
This lesson investigates the effects of different insulators (fur and blubber) on maintaining the body temperature of polar animals. Water balloons filled with warm water simulate the marine mammal. The blubber insulator will be simulated by covering the balloon in vegetable shortening. The fur insulator will be simulated by placing another balloon over the “marine mammal” and adding an
Mass Live article coverage on Bridget Ward's expedition to Antarctica. The link to the story can be found here. A PDF of the story is also available for downloading.
PolarTREC alumni Alex Eilers created this mini-exhibit about Antarctica for the Pink Palace Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. The exhibit highlights a variety of topics as well as Ms. Eilers personal experiences in Antarctica. Topics explored include: dressing for the cold Antarctic climate, research on the Weddell seal, the history of human exploration in Antarctica, and extreme facts about the coldest
This article describes the work of a team of scientists using the latest in satellite tag technology to track the movements of the Weddell seal over the Antarctic winter. The project hopes to learn more about the animals as well as the ocean environment in which they swim.
Excellent interview and accompanying video about studies of Weddell seals in Antarctic. UC Santa Cruz marine biologist Dan Costa travels to Antarctica to study the winter foraging ecology of Weddell seals through the use of sophisticated satellite tags and physical examinations. Video footage and an interview with participants has been included here.
