Polar Science 2009

Here are some suggested topics and activities to get you started on your own research. Why not contact one of the other teams interested in this focus area and ask them to collaborate with you!

Blog It!

Be sure to update your blog.

• What activity did you do? How did it go? Did anything surprise you?
• What did you learn?
• What are you still wondering about?
• What questions do you have?
• If you have a digital camera, take pictures of your investigations and ask your teacher to email them to us.

Remember blogging is about conversation. Check the blogs often! Read what other students and our experts have to say and add your own comments. We'd like to hear from you!

• There are 12 teams interested in this topic.

Tasks and Questions

• Polar Science Orientation Activity
  

  New Challenges will be added every day! Keep checking back!

  • Task #1: Read my blog entry, Exploring the Profiles, and post a reply with your answer.
  • Task #2: Read my blog entry, Reading the Blogs and Comments - Featured Blogs and post a reply with your answer.
  • Task #3: Read my blog entry, Reading the Blogs and Comments - Recent Blogs and Comments and post a reply with your answer.
  • Task #4: Read my blog entry, Reading the Blogs and Comments - By Team and post a reply with your answer.

  

• Aerobic Studies in Antarctica
  

  One of the amazing things about Weddell seals is their ability to stay underwater for up to 40 minutes without any apparent distress. Conduct a simple experiment to observe the effects of aerobic activity on the body's demand for oxygen.

  Go to Investigation.

  

• Carbon Dioxide and Our Impulse to Breathe
  

  When we try to hold our breath for a long time the urge to take a deep breath begins very slowly, but as we continue to hold our breath the urge to take a breath gradually gets stronger and stronger.

  Go to Investigation.

  

• Thermoregulation
  

  In very cold environments like Antarctica, humans apply layers of clothing to help reduce heat loss, whereas mammals rely on layers of fat. In this investigation you will compare the heat transfer abilities of air and water.

  Go to Investigation

  

• Research McMurdo Station
  

  Dr. Kanatous conducted his field research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

  • Where is it? Mark its location on an outline map. Mark other important features of Antarctica.
  • What is McMurdo Station? Who runs it? Who lives there? Who works there?

  

• Biome Research
  

  Antarctica is an incredibly unique continent. It is both an inhospitable land and home to some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on the planet.

  Older students - Research the Antarctic biome.

  • What type of ecosystem is it?
  • Describe its biotic and abiotic features.

  Younger students - Research the Weddell seal's habitat

  • Where does the Weddell seal live?
  • Describe its habitat.
  • What does the Weddell seal need to stay healthy in its habitat?
  • How does the Weddell seal meet its needs?

  

• Weddell Seal Research
  

  Weddell seals have evolved to live in a frigid aquatic environment.

  • How are Weddell seals able to meet their basic needs in their habitat?
  • Where do Weddell seals belong in the Antarctic food chain?
  • What are the physical adaptations that allow Weddell seals to thrive in the harsh environment of Antarctica?

  

• Biology Research
  

  Dr. Katanous and his fellow researchers are studying the characteristics of different types of muscle fibres of Weddell seals in order to learn how animals adapt to their environments.

  Research the different groups of muscle fibres in mammals and describe their characteristics and functions.

  

• Science Vocabulary
  

  Scientists use a specialized vocabulary in their work. Scientific terms have specific meanings that are agreed upon throughout the scientific community. Learn some of the terms Dr. Kanatous and Dr. Hawke use commonly in their research.

  Word Search

  Complete the word search and look up the meanings of the terms you don't understand. Discuss them with your teacher and your class. Post a new blog entry about one new word or term you've learned.