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.
This PowerPoint presentation could be used as part of an introductory or supplementary unit on Antarctica. The presentation includes stunning visuals and general facts about Antarctica.
Jeanine Gelhaus <gelhaje [at] medford.k12.wi.us> Capstone Project Fall 2013. Integrated Life and Earth Sciences in the Polar Regions.
The Roof at the Bottom of the World: Discovering the Transantarctic Mountains comprehensively documents the 1,500-mile length of the Transantarctic Mountains. It is the first atlas of the most remote mountain range on Earth. The presentation is historical, following a narrative of the voyages and traverses of those parties that were first to behold new lands.
Wilderness Research Foundation (USA) has developed two teaching modules based on a project we conducted in the Antarctic Peninsula in January 2010. They're available free for any educator interested in reviewing them for classroom use. The project concerned the collection of soil samples for the potential corroboration of a new conception of the carbon cycle. The principal investigator
Storyteller Films presents the scientific efforts to understand and detect the movement of King Crab from Deep to shallow waters off the continental shelf of Antarctica. The film was made by the Palmer and Oden 2010/2011 expeditions. The crabs are an invasive species that may have large effects on this diverse marine ecosystem. The film ha a comical flair though
Local news interviews PolarTREC teacher Nell Herrmann about her expedition to Palmer Station, Antarctica. The take a visit to her classroom as well. Video and written article are included.