http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar This blog is focused on helping elementary teachers become more knowledgeable about the polar regions and providing best practices on how to integrate polar concepts into their teaching. Ideas for connecting science and literacy through literature and writing, exemplary science activities, incredible pictures, tales of adventure, and stories of indigenous people and amazing animals will be part of each posting. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:37:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Stormy weather in the Arctic may have unanticipated effects on global warming, according to a new study by NASA. Researchers were looking to confirm a theory that a warming climate could cause an increase in storminess. They now believe it may be possible that new sinks for carbon dioxide may ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/13/storms-and-drifting-sea-ice-are-linked-in-global-warming-study/ One of the world’s largest and most prestigious prizes has been awarded to the climate researcher who is credited with coining the term “global warming.” The geochemist from Columbia University, Wallace S. Broecker, receives the $885,000 Balzan Prize for his breakthrough studies in climatology and his early warnings about changes ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/12/researcher-who-coined-%e2%80%98global-warming%e2%80%99-receives-a-top-science-award/ “Climate Connections” is the theme of the 2009 LEGO League challenge sponsored by the organization founded by well-known inventor Dean Kamen -- FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Teams of children ages 9 to 14 in 40 countries are challenged to research climate and use robotics in climate-based ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/10/robotics-competition-focuses-on-climate-change/ Recently, we introduced Elaina Wahl, a Columbus, OH teen and the Columbus Zoo's first Arctic Ambassador. We're pleased to report that Elaina is now in Churchill, Manitoba, for Polar Bears International's Polar Bear Leadership Camp. Elaina is meeting students from across the country, learning about polar bears and conservation, and preparing to ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/10/polar-news-notes-our-arctic-ambassador-leaves-for-churchill/ The University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs is now accepting applications for the ARMADA Project - Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to participate in ocean, polar, and environmental science research and peer mentoring. Teachers with ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/09/the-armada-project-research-and-mentoring-experiences-for-teachers/ Teachers of grades 3, 4, and 5 now have the opportunity to apply for an all-expense paid trip to the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy's math and science professional development program. Selected participants will spend five days next July at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ building math ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/08/mickelson-exxonmobil-teachers-academy-elementary-opportunities/ U.S. Satellite Laboratory, an online provider of curriculum products and teacher training, has added a program on polar research for upper elementary to high school students to its offerings. With the purpose of using technology and real-time science and mathematics content, the organization works with NASA, the National Oceanic and ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/06/us-satellite-laboratory-adds-online-polar-research-program/ From late March to the middle of August, scientists and others at Antarctica research stations were resigned to no air service during the months without sunlight. A C-17 Globemaster III changed all that in September by landing at McMurdo Station in complete darkness using night-vision goggles technology and reflective cones ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/03/air-service-comes-to-antarctica-in-the-darkness/ A trio of seal-sniffing dogs was featured in the September issue of Current, a monthly newsletter of the National Science Foundation. Marine biologist Brendan P. Kelly and researchers at the University of Alaska Southeast use the three Labrador retrievers to locate ringed seals in the sea ice of the far ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/02/dogs-track-seals-on-the-arctic-sea-ice/ Solar radiation, albedo, and the natural resources of the polar regions are all part of the newest issue of Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears: Energy and the Polar Environment. In this issue, you can: Learn about the albedo (reflectivity) of Earth's various surfaces and how increased melting of polar ice caps ... http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/polar/2008/10/01/issue-seven-is-live/