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  2. Antarctica Week 2019: Connecting Antarctic researchers and school classrooms

Flags at the South Pole Station
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Registration for UK teachers is now open! Registration for US teachers has ended and the US event is full. (as of Nov 6, 2019)

The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) Science Coordination Office is pleased to announce that we are planning an event to connect school classrooms with Antarctic researchers in late November and early December 2019. This event follows the successful inaugural ITGC Antarctica Week 2018, where we reached 100 schools and over 8200 students across the United States and the United Kingdom. Of particular note, December 1, 2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, and we are delighted to celebrate this important date with researchers and students through this event.

The US event will be held November 18-22. The deadline for teachers to register is Nov 1 at 12noon EDT.

The UK event will be held December 2-6. UK teachers Register here!! Deadline for UK registration is Friday 15 November at 17:00 GMT.

What is Antarctica Day? On December 1, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by twelve nations to set aside all of Antarctica “forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes in the interests of all mankind.” Beginning in 2010, Antarctica Day was established to commemorate the treaty as an event to promote global awareness of this collaborative treaty that set aside 10% of the Earth’s surface and inspire peace and hope for future generations.

Researchers with the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration along with other Antarctic experts are volunteering to speak with student groups across the US and UK to offer insights into what it is like to work in one of the harshest and most beautiful places on Earth. They will answer questions on Antarctic research, conditions, living, etc.

If you would like to engage your students in why polar research matters and what it’s like living and working in Antarctica, then please book a slot. We are offering the following event which comprises:

  • A 45- to 60-minute phone or video call with a researcher or Antarctic expert who has experience working in Antarctica
  • Photos of the Antarctic stations plus biographies of the people your pupils have a chance to chat to and ask questions
  • Format includes a short introduction from your “Antarctic educator” followed by time for questions on life in Antarctica – please get your students involved in advance by studying Antarctica, research that happens there, and what it is like to live and work there.

UK Teachers, register here!! https://www.bas.ac.uk/event/antarctica-week-2018-for-uk-schools/

Deadline for registration is Friday 15 November at 17:00 GMT.