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.
Researcher Egbert Schwartz and PolarTREC teacher Justin Kendhammer will travel to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica in search of life in the seemingly barren soil. One of the questions they will attempt to answer is whether microbes in the soil are native to Antarctic soil or whether they have been blown onto the continent from elsewhere in the world.
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.
This lesson is intended to have the students think about the animals of the Arctic and which ones they think are the largest. This will help with misconceptions of some animals being smaller than they think and you sneak in the scientific method and measuring skills while doing this lesson. Students will love actively participating and comparing themselves
During the 2007 Bering Ecosystem study, population sampling was done for seals by boat and helicopter. By using raisin bread and your students’ imagination you can create your own sampling of the Arctic populations of seals in the comfort of your classroom. Not to mention, clean-up is a favorite among students with this activity that mixes math with
The website, Ice Stories, features short interviews and other interesting content live from the polar regions. This weblink has a short video interview of PolarTREC teacher, Craig Beals, while taking part in a PolarTREC expedition with Barry Lefer at Summit, Greenland.
PolarTREC Teacher, Craig Beals, talks about his experiences at Summit, Greenland in this online version of an article published by the Billings Gazette on July 21, 2008.