Studying Belgica at the Bottom of the World

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

Tonight will be my last Palmer Station sunset.  Tomorrow morning, my journey home will begin.  As I reflect on this wonderful opportunity to be dropped into a different career in a different part of the world, I know that my life will be forever changed.  But, I hope it will make a difference in my readers’ lives, as well.  So, I leave you with these parting thoughts. . .

• Science is a vital activity that requires curiosity, teamwork, and perserverence.  It provides the facts and foundation we need to make good decisions about our environment.  

“If you work hard in life, you can do these types of things and have those adventures.” 

 

            – Julie, 8th grade Perry Middle School student 

•  Work toward your dreams!  Above, a very wise student of mine sums up what I hope students will take away from my trip to Antarctica.

•  Science is international!  Bright, multi-talented young women and men from many cultures become scientists and dedicate their lives to making a difference in the world.

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”          

  -John Muir, American naturalist 2011    

• We are all connected.  What happens in Antarctica DOESN’T stay in Antarctica.  It affects the entire globe.  In coal mines, canaries are sent down to see if the air is fit to breathe.  If the canary stays healthy, miners can safely remain in the mine.  Antarctica is a bit like that canary.  It’s condition is a harbinger (window to our future) for our own survival in the great mine shaft of life!  The currents and winds influenced by Antarctica shape the climate of the entire world, affecting the way every organism on earth lives and interacts.  By understanding how climate change affects species in Antarctica, we can learn how it will affect humans and our lives.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of communicating with you all about what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica.  This will be my last regular blog entry, but I’ll check in occasionally as Antarctic connections arise.  Next fall, I’ll pass the torch to a new teacher who will communicate with classrooms about the important work that is taking place in Antarctica. 

I cannot sign off without acknowledging the efforts of many people.  Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”  Here is a brief look at the “giants” who have made my mission possible:  Dr. Rick Lee who has a passion for bringing science to teachers and students,  the excellent staff at Palmer Station who go the extra mile to make science happen, the incredibly intelligent scientists I’ve met who are willing to share their work, my team-mates at Perry Schools who have worked tirelessly to help organize communications and carry on projects in my absence, my family who have encouraged me to follow my dreams no matter how wild, and the students and readers of all ages who have followed and contributed to this blog.  Deepest thanks to you all for your enthusiasm and support.

So, without further “adieu,” I take my leave. 

 

 ”Palmer Station, Palmer Station, this is Polar Pat,

heading home. . .”