Polar News and Notes Polar News & Notes

News from the polar regions in October included further analysis of the summer Arctic sea ice melt, genetic discoveries in remarkable Antarctic fish, and preparations for a challenging Antarctic expedition. Missed these stories the first time? Read on!
In September, we reported that the Arctic sea ice extent during the 2008 summer melt season dropped to […]

Two upcoming web seminars from the National Science Teachers Association will focus on integrating polar science concepts into the elementary curriculum. Both seminars are led by Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears project staff and are part of the NSDL/NSTA web seminar series.
On Wednesday, October 29, Carol Landis and Jessica Fries-Gaither will present Physical Science From the […]

Saying the world is in an “extinction crisis,” the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its 2008 Red List of Threatened Species during a meeting in Barcelona, Spain, October 5-14.
 A new study to assess the world’s mammals shows at least 1,141 of the 5,487 wild mammal species, or almost one in four, […]

Stormy weather in the Arctic may have unanticipated effects on global warming, according to a new study by NASA. Researchers were looking to confirm a theory that a warming climate could cause an increase in storminess. They now believe it may be possible that new sinks for carbon dioxide may emerge from the relationship between […]

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious prizes has been awarded to the climate researcher who is credited with coining the term “global warming.” The geochemist from Columbia University, Wallace S. Broecker, receives the $885,000 Balzan Prize for his breakthrough studies in climatology and his early warnings about changes in the climate.
In 1987, Broecker […]

Recently, we introduced Elaina Wahl, a Columbus, OH teen and the Columbus Zoo’s first Arctic Ambassador. We’re pleased to report that Elaina is now in Churchill, Manitoba, for Polar Bears International’s Polar Bear Leadership Camp. Elaina is meeting students from across the country, learning about polar bears and conservation, and preparing to return to Columbus as the […]

The University of Rhode Island’s Office of Marine Programs is now accepting applications for the ARMADA Project - Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to participate in ocean, polar, and environmental science research and peer mentoring.
Teachers with five or more years teacher […]

Teachers of grades 3, 4, and 5 now have the opportunity to apply for an all-expense paid trip to the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy’s math and science professional development program. Selected participants will spend five days next July at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ building math and science content knowledge, learning […]

U.S. Satellite Laboratory, an online provider of curriculum products and teacher training, has added a program on polar research for upper elementary to high school students to its offerings. With the purpose of using technology and real-time science and mathematics content, the organization works with NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National […]

From late March to the middle of August, scientists and others at Antarctica research stations were resigned to no air service during the months without sunlight. A C-17 Globemaster III changed all that in September by landing at McMurdo Station in complete darkness using night-vision goggles technology and reflective cones on the runway.
The mission was […]