The North and South polar environments of our planet are home to several iconic species familiar to many learners such as penguins, seals, whales, polar bears, wolves, puffins, and more.  In this ongoing class we will learn more about these species along with lesser known yet equally important species in this ecosystem.  At an age-appropriate level, we learn directly from the current multi-year scientific research being conducted in Antarctica, and some classes include either live feeds or video directly from these field research sites in Antarctica.  I had the privilege of meeting many of these scientists and learning directly from them while living and working at a science research station in Antarctica, which was a pretty “cool” experience.

Suggested Prerequisite: Though not required, I highly recommend learners take my one-time class Journey to Antarctica: A Really "Cool" Introduction to the Icy Continent.  I offer this regularly, please request a time if one doesn’t meet your needs.  https://outschool.com/classes/journey-to-antarctica-a-really-cool-introduction-to-the-icy-continent-8-10-9B26ibUX?usid=G77ezfMg&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Classes will use a variety of activities such as teacher-led storytelling based on my experiences, interactive games, informational worksheets, coloring sheets, and a set of trading cards for many of the animals we will study.  I will use age-appropriate questioning techniques to draw out learner’s natural curiosity and all learners are encouraged to participate in class.  Lessons will include a variety of pictures and video, many from my personal collection and some from field researchers in Antarctica and the Arctic.  Curious learners also have great questions, and I have allocated time in class to answer questions about my experience of living and working at a science research station in Antarctica.

NEW SECTIONS beginning Week of January 9th, 2023:

Antarctic Animals (Jan - Feb are Summer and Fall/Autumn in Antarctica when animals are quite active on the Southernmost Continent):
Week of Jan 9th: Weddell Seal
Week of Jan 16th: Emperor Penguin
Week of Jan 23rd: Skua & Wandering Albatross
Week of Jan 30th: Orca & Minke Whales
Week of Feb 6th: Sea Spiders & Polar Giants
Week of Feb 13th: Adelie Penguin
Week of Feb 20th: Fish That Don’t Freeze
*No class for 3 weeks - focusing on my Iditarod Sled Dog Race class*
Week of Mar 20th: Leopard Seal
Week of Mar 27th: Humpback Whale & Antarctic Krill
Week of April 3rd: Gentoo Penguin
*No class week of April 10th*
Arctic Animals (April & May begin the springtime season in the Northern Hemisphere, when Arctic animals are active and newborns are born/hatched):
Week of April 17th: Narwhal
Week of April 24th: Atlantic Puffin
Week of May 1st: Polar Bear
Week of May 8th: Arctic Fox
Week of May 15th: Arctic Char
Week of May 22nd: Bearded Seal
Week of May 29th: Snowy Owl
Week of June 5th: Arctic Copepod
Week of June 12th: Icelandic Horse
Week of June 19th: Musk Ox
Week of June 26th: Arctic Mosquito
Week of July 3rd: Greenland Shark
* Schedule may change based on student request and availability of live animal viewing opportunities (via webcam).

LIVE video feed:  In some classes, learners may be able to view live web-cams showing current wildlife activity.  This is a very special experience, yet is highly dependent upon internet connectivity, weather, and time of year.  While I make my best effort to give students this opportunity, the first rule of Antarctic Exploration applies - sometimes (often!) things don’t go to plan.  When live video is not available, I will show previously recorded video from the same locations.

Please note: I also offer a similar course for learners aged 11-13.  We learn about the same animal species in Antarctica and some of the same photos and videos may be used (a cute penguin is a cute penguin for all ages!), but the scientific information provided to students, teaching style and learner activities are different.