PolarTREC Orientation in Fairbanks Alaska
We finished day two of our PolarTREC Orientation/ShareFair today, and my head is pleasantly swirling with information overload! Happily, despite my sleep patterns stubborn adherence to Eastern Standard Time, the rush of adrenaline from the last two days of research presentations, educational theory discussions, science research breakfast club pondering and hands-on technical training sessions, seems to be making up for my lack of sleep!
DAY 1
We began yesterday with introductions and welcomes by Janet Warburton and Sarah Crowley, both PolarTREC Project Managers. They're both logistical coordinators extraordinaire as they manage and troubleshoot all things imaginable and unimaginable, to lead our expeditions to success, both in the field and with student and community outreach.
Janet Warburton and Sarah Crowley, PolarTREC Project Managers, in the Permafrost Tunnel on February 7, 2012. Photo by Lisa Seff.
Today they discussed our agenda and housekeeping items, as well as giving us an in-depth PolarTREC project overview. Susan Fox, Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) Execuive Director also welcomed everyone and introduced us to the role that ARCUS plays in the world of Polar research, including it’s role with the PolarTREC program. What an amazing organization that provides a base for Polar Research with programs and resources from all over the world. Leslie Kitchin, PolarTRECS Administrative Assistant later filled us in on how to keep track of our expenses and last, but not least, Zeb Polly and Ronnie Owens, our "Techno-Superhero Duo", tickled our funny bones with a special video describing the computers and camera’s we would be working with during our PolarTREC tenure.
It was then time for everyone to get to know each other a bit, with a scavenger hunt based on a fun-fact list of activities, which had to be matched up with the correct person in the room. It was the perfect icebreaker, instantly creating a supportive atmosphere while also giving us an inside view into some of our colleagues special talents! The afternoon provided us with a window into the world of our future as PolarTREC teachers, as teacher and researcher alumni reflected on their own past experiences working in the Polar Regions. The alumni included teachers Juan Botella, Bill Schmoker, Lindsay Knippenberg, Deanna Wheeler and researcher Heidi Roop, who all provided us with a wealth of information for us to consider as we prepare for our own research experience. The final part of the day included a guided tour through our computers and associated technical resources that would help us successfully link with our classrooms and the outside world while on our Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
Day 2
Today focused on Polar science research and technological tools that will enable us to transport our PolarTREC research experience into our classrooms, communities and beyond. Dr. Sarah Hardy of the University of Alaska presented a Polar Regions overview with a focus on the unique environmental issues relating to the Arctic Region. This was followed by a presentation on Antarctica by Dr. Samantha Hansen from the University of Alabama. Heidi Roop, PolarTREC researcher and Lindsay Knippenberg, PolarTREC teacher alumni, helped to wrap the science side up with strategies for taking our field research experiences into our classrooms. What gifts of knowledge everyone provided to us based on their own experiences in the Polar Regions! By the end of their presentations I felt re-energized and excited to bring back a better understanding of a multitude of science topics based on actual present-day scientific research.
We finished off the day in the afternoon with a focus on journal writing, beginning with individual readings from selected authors including Joseph Grinnel and Adolph Murie. So much to consider that I’ve never considered before: What makes a good journal, the realities of writing and sending a journal from field locations, expressing your tone, journal styles, determining your audience, keeping your audience engaged, explaining the science, and much more; so much to do, so much to learn, here in Alaskan Time.
I can't wait for tomorrow! Tuesday's Agenda:Permafrost Tunnel Field Trip.