Today was a great morning spent with three different classes at Washington Christian Academy in Silver Spring, Maryland. Beginning with Mrs. Brown's 4th graders we spent a full hour talking through the differences between the Arctic and Antarctic, the route the Oden will be taking, and testing out just how warm this Extreme Weather Gear really is. They've been predicting a tough winter in DC - temps below freezing and maybe even several snowstorms - but no one seemed to think that it was going to take bunny boots or a baclava to enjoy recess anytime soon! Check out the awesome photo of some of our next generation polar explorers !
Testing here.
Then it was on to Mrs. Troxel's 2nd Grade - an energetic bunch of 8 year olds including my son Xander. This crew has been reading a story about whales trapped in the ice and an icebreaker that creates airholes for them - and were more than ready to share their ideas of what life would be like in either pole. I think the consensus was for Antarctica - maybe a bit colder but at least no hungry polar bears to deal with. According to my Extreme Weather Gear mannequin - "this stuff is hot and itchy" - and it will probably not be their first choice for an alternate school uniform, except of course for the styling red jacket! Has to be that USAP patch. Check out their class shot.
Lastly was a short visit to the Kindergarten - a fine group of five years including my son Mackenzie. They've been learning a continent song - and were amazed to learn that in just three weeks I would be visiting four of the seven continents (if we stretch and include New Zealand with Australia). They'll be following along with our journey - and definitely were glad to hear that leopard seals were not going to pose a serious threat to my health. These seem to be an animal on everyone's mind these days - can't wait to snap a few photos to share upon my return.
Next - it's on to some schools in Arlington, VA - then some videoconference links with my home school in Sterling, Alaska. Let the countdown continue.