In this activity, students will use IB-style data-based questions centered around graphs made from data collected about arctic ground squirrels by researchers at Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. Activity levels of ground squirrels are analyzed in relation to solar radiation and ambient temperature. Students work individually or in pairs to answer the questions.
In this activity, students will use data collected about two male arctic ground squirrels by researchers at Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. Each squirrel had a lightlogger to record light intensity (lux) and an implanted data logger to record internal body temperature (°C). Students work individually or in pairs to analyze the data sets and interpret the results
In this set of lessons, students have the opportunity to think like scientists as they examine actual data related to Arctic ground squirrels, organize it in logical ways, and make inferences based on the data.
Objectives
Students will develop an understanding of some of the ways scientists use and organize data.
We want students to develop the habits, traits, and qualities of effective scientists. What better way for them to learn what these traits are than by hearing from actual scientists? In this lesson, students watch video interviews with four Arctic scientists from the University of Alaska, notice what types of work scientists do on a daily basis, and make
PolarTREC teacher Alicia Gillean shares her impressions of the Arctic tundra and details about her expedition to Toolik Lake, Alaska to study arctic ground squirrels.
Article in the Oklahoma Jenks District Gazette about PolarTREC participant Alicia Gillean's experiences and arctic impressions following her expedition to study ground squirrels at Toolik Lake, Alaska.
PolarTREC teacher Alicia Jenks is inspiring her students with her expedition to Toolik Field Station, Alaska. She will be studying Arctic Ground Squirrels.
PolarTREC teacher Michelle Brown writes for the Austin American Statesman about her upcoming expedition to Antarctica. Michelle outlines her plans to travel to Antarctica to work with researchers at the remote McMurdo Station and the automated geophysical observatory at the South Pole Station. In addition to helping researchers study the human impacts on the southern continent, she will also install
PolarTREC teacher Michelle Brown writes an article in the Austin American Statesman about her upcoming expedition to study human impacts in Antarctica. Michelle details her motivation to apply for the PolarTREC program and how it has already changed her teaching practice and students' lives.
We all know that Antarctica is a very cold place, and the scientists who work there are not the only ones who have to worry about staying warm. The animals that live in Antarctica have to protect themselves from the frigid conditions on a year-round basis. In order to keep heat they produce from escaping into the environment