Nothing replaces the connections and relationships that are formed from in-person experiences. During three years of waiting, I was able to learn a little about particle physics, and start a relationship with researchers through virtual conversations. However, in a one-month expedition, I was able to learn and retain so much more information, and create lasting relationships with
This PolarConnect event was broadcast live from the South Pole Station in Antarctica with educator Elaine Krebs and the IceCube and Askaryan Radio Array Team on 18 January 2023.
Students will conduct a demonstration that will help them gain a better understanding of the water cycle and runoff in a watershed. They will be able to replicate arctic and non-arctic watersheds by varying the size of the watershed. They will be able to visualize the difference in runoff by creating hydrographs of these different locations.
Students will investigate the breadth and depth of science taking place in the Polar Regions by reading and learning about one PolarTREC expedition and sharing it with the class.
Objectives
* To expose students to the wide variety of science happening in the Polar Regions
* To help students understand the process of science by examining one
This one hour event by Melissa Barker explains the research being done at Toolik Field Station, Alaska on nutrient transport in arctic watersheds. She is joined by team member Dr. Sarah Godsey.
View sequential still images of thermokarst (thawed permafrost) at Horn Lake in northern Alaska during the summer of 2010. The video was made by researchers studying the responses of Arctic landscapes to permafrost degradation.
PolarTREC teacher Melissa Barker, a high school biology and environmental science teacher, shares her thoughts about her upcoming expedition to Toolik Lake, Alaska where she will learn about changes in water and nutrient cycles in the arctic tundra. The external link provided includes a video interview with Melissa at her school.
PolarTREC Teacher Melissa Barker is a feature story for her school in Colorado. She is heading into the field with Dr. Tamara Harms to study Arctic watershed systems.
Beacon Valley is recognized by scientists as one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. This lesson plan was created so that students could have the opportunity to examine the same landforms that scientists use to study the processes that operate in both of these extreme environments. There are two parts to this lesson. Teachers may choose to
The Dry Valleys region in Antarctica is known as the coldest, windiest, driest place on Earth. Beacon Valley is famous for its katabatic winds which can routinely knock fit adults and PolarTREC teachers to the ground. This lesson was created by PolarTREC teacher Jacquelyn Hams who experienced the cold and the full force of the winds in 2008