PolarTREC - Bringing Teachers and Researchers Together

Today, I learned about an organization called PolarTREC, which stands for Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating.

It is an educational research experience, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S., in which K-12 teachers participate in polar research, working closely with scientists as a pathway to improving science education.

In celebration of the International Polar Year (2007-2009), a global scientific campaign to advance our understanding of the polar regions, thirty-six U.S. teachers will spend two to six weeks working with a research team in the Arctic or Antarctic, exploring the environments, cultures, history, and science. PolarTREC teachers will learn about cutting-edge scientific research on topics ranging from atmospheric chemistry to seabird ecology and will share their experiences with scientists, educators, communities, and hundreds of students of all ages across the globe.

PolarTREC builds on the past TREC program (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating in the Arctic) to encompass learning experiences in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Visit the TREC website for more information about the 2004-2006 TREC expeditions.

I encourage all of the teachers out there to seriously consider participating in this program, especially if you come from an inner-city school district. This is be a wonderful opportunity to bring some exciting positive press to your districts and students. We need to get the word out that there are great educators and students in oft-overlooked districts. Research Scientists are asked to apply to host a teacher. The deadline to apply is September 8, 2008. The Arctic Adventure will take place during the 2009/2010 school year.

I'm really excited about the International Polar Year Commemoration so stay tuned for more news. I still have news to share from ISBE that's about Polar regions and International Polar Day is coming up - Sept 24, 2008. Be sure to celebrate it.