We are gathered here in Fairbanks for orientation with the goal of preparing for our field expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. We are learning how to use tools that will aid in our communication to students, our communities and the general public. We spent time discussing challenges to and strategies for bring our expedition to the classroom. I am glad that I will be in the field for a couple weeks while my students are still in school. One of my goals is to get my students so excited and hooked on my expedition that they continue to read my journals over the summer.
The experience that was most memorable from today actually occurred at breakfast. While sitting with my fellow PolarTREC-ers, one teacher asked a few geology questions about the Rocky Mountains. Little did we realize that we all would be treated to an explanation by one of our researches who has a PhD in Geophysics. I am so inspired by the willingness of the researches to share their knowledge and their excitement to collaborate. It is often the informal conversations that are most memorable. I can’t wait to meet one of the head researchers for my project on Friday, Dr. Tamara Harms.
Ice Crystals on the wall of the Permafrost tunnel entryway
Question to ponder…
Which polar region is land surrounded by water and which is water surrounded by land?