Journal Entry

Reality hit me today!

Today was 'Move-Up' day in the middle school. The upcoming eighth graders arrived with their excitement, curiosity and awe of being in the 8th grade coveted pod. As a team, we followed our standard routine; introducing ourselves, students exploring our rooms and staff discussing summer assignments. This was my opportunity to share my involvement with PolarTREC and my upcoming trip. I found myself feeling anxious, nervous and excited. Perhaps, because this was the best chance to capture the students' interest. By the end of the 15 minute presentation, the kids had dove into the finer details of the trip and developed questions for me to explore while in Greenland. We explored the PolarTREC website and posted to Andre Wille in Toolik. The kids were curious as to what information was being discovered by studying Arctic squirrels. Their curiosity is infectious. I cannot wait to see how my future students embrace this experience. I am honored and humbled to be given this chance and feel a great responsibility to do the best that I can do.

Comments

IMSRolandC

How to the helicopter land on the ice and snow?

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear IMSRolandC,the helicopter ride was amazing. When I get home, I want to trade in my car for a hello. Maybe they would be a landing pad near the school! The pilot was awesome at finding a location where the helicopter would be stable.

Tina Ciarametaro

DEAR IMSBenD,it has been AMAZING here in terms of weather. Today, on the glacier face that I hiked, the temp on my backpack read 70 degrees! At night is has been around 40ish. Great camping and hiking weather. The only nuisance has been the gnats (little black flies) that love the warm weather and the tundra vegetation. Different times, I have had to wear a head net because the bugs have been so bad. At least they don't bite!

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear IMSBenD,my PI (primary investigator) brought tons of food, mainly from Trader Joe's. Before we left town, we purchased any fresh food that would be okay for a few days in camp; pears, apples, butter, 15 pound of cheese - NO JOKE!

IMSBenD

Did you bring your own food and water or are you living off the natural resources?

IMSBenD

About how cold has it been since you've gotten there?