This lesson incorporates techniques and experimental designs used by researchers during the Southern Ocean Diatoms PolarTREC expedition and during post-expedition laboratory analysis. This guided inquiry lesson provides students the opportunity to explore photosynthesis and primary productivity using techniques to measure chlorophyll levels.
Objectives
SWBAT:
1. Use models to predict chlorophyll levels in the global oceans
2. Identify
Understanding Physical and Chemical Parameters of Ocean Water Using CTD Profiles
Overview
A focus of the PolarTREC Southern Ocean Diatoms expedition was to collect water samples and physical profile data using oceanographic technology. Oceanographers rely on the real-time data transferred from the water column to the ship-based computers using a CTD sensor. The CTD measures conductivity (salinity), temperature and depth
Note: This event was not for our typical classroom-based education audience.
WAIS Divide (West Antarctic Ice Sheet), where the Velvet Ice team conducted its research, has recently be found to be one of the most vulnerable areas of Antarctica to global climate change. If recent predictions hold true, major glaciers in WAIS could collapse within 100 years, triggering massive shifts
This one hour event is an introduction to the expedition with Yamini Bala and her team. They address life at McMurdo and what it will be like at their remote field site at WAIS Divide (West Antarctic Ice Sheet).
It's All About Repetition!
In this lesson, we will learn what repeat photography is, and discuss how it can be used in scientific analysis.
Introduction
What is repeat photography? It is the taking of photographs from the same location, over time, to document changes. This tool has become extremely useful in science, as a qualitative way to
1) Why is it important to collect large quantities of research data?
2) How can photographing a subject be similar to scientific observation?
3) How can one plot photographic data on a map?
Introduction:
This lesson was written for a Photography I course, to be taught in a lab with access to either a darkroom or computers/printers. The
Antarctic educator, Mark Walsh, created this video for the PolarTREC 2013 spring online professional development course. This video uses the concept of Density to explore how mountains are built as well as how to throw a good Cinco de Mayo party at McMurdo Station Antarctica. He uses the Dr. Samantha Hansen's Transantarctic Mountains work as an example of mountain building.
This student lesson focuses on plate tectonics and large-scale system interactions, utilizing PolarTREC teacher Brian DuBay's Transantarctic Mountains expedition videos.
Objectives: The student will investigate, make observations, and analyze geologic processes of plate tectonics.
Key concepts include:
a) how geologic processes are evidenced in Antarctic mountains;
b) tectonic processes (compressional, tensional, and transversal forces).
Adapted by Michelle Brand Buhanan for