| Bering Sea on the web over the past month |

PolarTREC Makes Science Come Alive

PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic and Antarctic)

Created by ARCUS and funded by NSF
K-12 teachers participate in polar research and work closely with scientists as a pathway to improving science education
Builds on outstanding scientific and cultural opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic to link research and education through intriguing topics that will engage students and the public

PolarTREC teacher Craig Kasemodel

Craig Kasemodel teaches science and technology at the Central Middle School of Science in Anchorage. He was aboard Healy in March 2008 with a diverse team of researchers participating in the first of three research cruises this spring and summer in support of BEST-BSIERP.

Scientists on board are documenting late winter ocean conditions, studying the biological communities found in sea ice, examining the early spring plankton bloom, and investigating light penetration through open water and ice cover. Additionally, researchers are examining the benthic communities living on the seafloor as will as observing an important benthic predator, the walrus. And Craig was along for the ride, reporting back to students with a daily journal, photos, and video/audio clips.

See Craig’s Web Journal and Photos

PolarTREC and Live from IPY Events

The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2009, is a program of international research and education focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Join science teacher Craig Kasemodel and BEST-BSIERP scientists aboard the Healy to learn more about science on the high seas aboard an icebreaker in the middle of the Bering Sea! --Live from IPY image courtesy PolarTREC

How does it work?

Live from IPY! events use the Internet platform Wimba to allow shared simultaneous viewing of expedition images over the Internet while participants join the research team in real-time through a conference call. The Wimba platform includes other useful functions such as online chat and polling features. To take full advantage of a Live from IPY! webinar you will need telephone and Internet access. If you do not have Internet access, you can simply join the conference call.

Learn more about Live from IPY events