Southern Ocean Diatoms Resources

Teacher Spotlight on Cara Pekarcik, 2018 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year in the publication Museum Institute for Teaching Science.

The Importance of Teacher/Researcher Collaboration

It can be a humbling experience to admit that something isn’t easy, or that you don’t understand a topic or concept. It is harder still when you are surrounded by knowledgeable individuals and expected to explain their research in an accurate manner. While humbling, it is educational. Through learning about concepts such as trace metal

Overview

This lesson incorporates techniques and experimental designs used by researchers during the Southern Ocean Diatoms PolarTREC expedition and during post-expedition laboratory analysis. This guided inquiry lesson provides students the opportunity to explore photosynthesis and primary productivity using techniques to measure chlorophyll levels.

Objectives

SWBAT: 1. Use models to predict chlorophyll levels in the global oceans 2. Identify

Understanding Physical and Chemical Parameters of Ocean Water Using CTD Profiles

Overview

A focus of the PolarTREC Southern Ocean Diatoms expedition was to collect water samples and physical profile data using oceanographic technology. Oceanographers rely on the real-time data transferred from the water column to the ship-based computers using a CTD sensor. The CTD measures conductivity (salinity), temperature and depth

Podcast of the live TV interview with QATV journalist Joe Catalano. This interview is a follow-up to a previous discussion about the PolarTREC expedition.

Quincy Access Television interview to preview an upcoming talk at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy, MA. The presentation is part of the series called At Your Library: Going Places

Teacher Cara Pekarcik and researcher Dr. Bethany Jenkins discuss the science behind the expedition "Southern Ocean Diatoms" while aboard the Nathaniel B. Palmer in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.

Press release from the University of Rhode Island highlighting the work of Dr. Bethany Jenkins and the Southern Ocean Diatom expedition.

AM Quincy television interview with Quincy Access Television broadcast anchor Joe Catalano. This interview is a follow-up to the August 8th interview on the Currently in Quincy program. PolarTREC teacher Cara Pekarcik discusses her upcoming expedition and plans for community outreach.

Podcast of the Currently in Quincy interview related to PolarTREC. Cara Pekarcik sat down with Joe Catalano from Quincy Access Television to discuss her upcoming trip to Antarctica. The conversation touches on the specific research and the outreach component of the trip.

Newspaper article related to outreach at the Mystic Aquarium Women in Science Day. URI researchers and PolarTREC teacher Cara Pekarcik were interviewed about their upcoming research trip to Antarctica.

Quincy Access Television interview: PolarTREC teacher Cara Pekarcik talks with Joe Catalano on the Currently in Quincy Program. The conversation includes descriptions of the PolarTREC program, a description of the research project and day-to-day activities as well as a discussion about student and community outreach.