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Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

Okay, Mystery Photo Contest Number 2 is on! First person to reply back with the correct guess receives a postcard from McMurdo Station, Antarctica! Once you're declared the winner, remember to email (mleague [at] polartrec.com) with your mailing address. Good luck!

mystery photo 2Can you guess what this vehicle does?
Thu, 09/01/2011 - 15:13

Anonymous

That Mr. League is the Reed drill - looking kinda rusty this year. Needs to get to work!

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 15:14

Anonymous

Opps, forgot to leave my name -Robbie Score

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 17:34

Anonymous

Mike,
I have my own ideas, but I'll ask my first graders what they think first thing in the morning. We want a shot at that postcard from Antarctica. :)
Karen D'Annecy
mrsdannecy.blogspot.com

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 23:13

Michael League

Karen (and others),We are very fortunate to have had a response by Robbie, a true Arctic
and Antarctic legend. You may have heard her mentioned in other
PolarTREC teachers' journals. She correctly told us that it is a drill.
So, I'll offer up another postcard for the next person that can tell
us what they think we're going to use it for.
Mike

Fri, 09/02/2011 - 10:38

Anonymous

Hey Mike that's my old Projector hook up to my SMART board back here in Delaware. Hope you're staying warm buddy!

Fri, 09/02/2011 - 10:46

Anonymous

It's Colin, by the way. Have fun!

Fri, 09/02/2011 - 11:24

Anonymous

Hi Mike,
My first graders think all the big trucks and the other equipment you use on the ice are really coooool! Here in Florida, we don't have much occasion to see the modifications northerners do to their cars (snow tires, etc.) for the winter weather. Just as animals need to adapt to their environment, the equipment we use must be adapted to how and where it will be used.
They knew right away the mystery photo was of some kind of drill. Some of them thought it was for drilling through snow banks or snowy roads. One student suggested it was to drill a hole in the ice to put a thermometer down into the water to see if someone would freeze to death. Another student thought they might use it to drill a hole to check if there was anyone trapped down there. I suggested to them it might be used to drill a hole so divers could get under the ice to do their research.
I'm so proud of how my students are starting to open their minds to consider different things. They are questioning and seeking answers. Your trip and the connections we are making are giving us these opportunities.
Thanks for the conversation starters!
~Karen D'Annecy
mrsdannecy.blogspot.com

Fri, 09/02/2011 - 17:17

Anonymous

Mike,I asked Brynn (my daughter) what your photo was tonight at home. She just turned 5. She said its a crane like the one used at inlet bridge only smaller, but this crane caught a big clam. Hahahahahah Colin. Sorry, had to share. She's curious now, so a cool way to spend time with her.

Sat, 09/03/2011 - 19:09

Michael League

Congrats, Susy! You're right. Steve Z used this to drill us a nicedive hole. Hit up my email (mleague@polartrec.com) with your mailing
address and we'll get you and your students a personal postcard from
Antarctica.
Mike

Sat, 09/03/2011 - 19:09

Michael League

Hey Colin,That's too funny! I'm glad that you and your family are getting
something from the journals. Please feel free to use them at school.
There for our students! Have a great start to the school year!
Mike

Sat, 09/03/2011 - 19:24

Michael League

Hey Karen,Good points! Thanks for sharing them. It's really nice to see how the
first graders are thinking. As for thermometers, stay tuned. You and
the first graders have inspired a few journal entries!
Mike
(who is trying to stay warm, when it's -27˚F outside)

Sun, 09/04/2011 - 12:18

Anonymous

Why did all of the water rush out of the hole when the drill went through the ice? I saw that the drill pulled some up when it was pulled back up but then it kept coming. Why was that?Howard

Sun, 09/04/2011 - 20:09

Michael League

Hey Howard,Great question. In fact, at that particular site, the sea ice was held
fast to the land and was below sea level. Because of forces acting on
the ice, sometimes the ice is warped and actually forms waves with high
spots and low spots. Our dive hole was in a low spot, so when we
drilled through the water was able to rise to sea level.
But the solution is simple, just wait! Exposed to the cold air that sea
water freezes and now you have a solid surface to stand/work on. Later
this week, I'll have sea ice training, and I'll have lots more
information to share.
Thanks for the question.
Mike

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 18:19

Anonymous

Reed Ice Drill ,,, pulled by a D6H DozerThank you- no need for postcard. The prize goes to the first entrant.

Tue, 09/06/2011 - 15:09

Michael League

Wow! Very thorough description. This is definitely somebody with theknowledge.
Mike

Tue, 09/06/2011 - 21:20

Anonymous

Nice guesses! I'm going to have to get my kids to start guessing all these. They'd love a postcard from Antarctica.Janet :)