Making Polar Science Cool As Ice, With The Help Of A Cool Researcher.

Kevin Dickerson, a PolarTREC teacher and science expedition team-member will share his experiences in linking professional scientists with educators to increase student learning.

Students need to see real-world relevance in topics they study. Educators realize the importance of using phenomena that our planet provides. Giving students an opportunity to team with researchers, actively doing professional science, increases student interest in learning at even higher levels.

During this presentation, I will share information gained, as I teamed my high school students with professional polar scientists.

Through collaboration of Dr. Byron Adams, from Brigham Young University, my students were introduced to the wonderful world of Antarctic science and exploration. Students were recruited, at an assembly he did at our school, to analyzed raw data his team has brought home from many past expeditions, and then present their findings at his lab.

Dr. Adams checked up on my students while he was in Antarctica, visiting with them, over Skype, regarding how their science was going, and sharing Antarctic adventures with them.

My students were so excited to report their findings to Dr. Adams when he returned. He planned a symposium for the students to present their results and then tour his lab where the data the students had been analyzing, was gathered.

Since this time, I have participated with Dr. Adams on his scientific Antarctic expedition into the Dry Valleys. I have had the opportunity to share this experience I have gained the past few years with several other students, educators, and researchers.

I will also share information I have gained the past few years as a participant in the Polar-ICE program, where teachers and researchers receive training on how to increase effective teamwork to help student learning.

Attend this presentation to increase student learning through educator and professional scientist collaboration.