Using real data is an engaging and important part of science education. What could be more exciting than studying Adelie Penguins in Antarctica? Through the Penguin Science education and outreach program, your students can follow breeding pairs of the penguins as they lay eggs and raise their chicks.Here’s a message about the new Penguins Science season from Outreach Coordinator Jean Pennycook:

Welcome to the 2009-2010 Penguin Science season. Our research team will be leaving for Antarctica  Oct 18 in time to greet the Adelie Penguins as they come to Cape Royds for the summer breeding season.  Have your students join the field research by taking part in the activities below.

Nest Check will start Nov 5. Follow the breeding pairs on a daily basis as they lay their eggs and raise their chicks.  We will be looking for returning pairs from last year as they rebuild their nests.

Have your students receive a Postcard from Antarctica. This project  is back by popular demand.

Create a Flag for our field station.

These and many other classroom activities about penguins can be found at http://www.penguinscience.com/classroom_home.php.

Have your class watch for the first penguins of the season to arrive at Cape Royds. Our Penguin cam takes a picture of the colony at Cape Royds every day.

Questions?  Email Jean Pennycook, Penguin Outreach Coordinator at penguin.science@yahoo.com.