Antarctica Day – talk to a polar expert

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Opportunity for schools to link up with polar researchers and experts for ‘Antarctica Day’ on 1 December

What BAS is offering:

An opportunity to talk to a member of BAS staff during the week of 27 November to celebrate Antarctica Day on 1st December.

If you’re keen to engage your students in why polar research matters and what it’s like living and working in Antarctica then book a slot. We are offering the following event which comprises:

  • A phone call with a researcher or member of staff who’s in Antarctica at one of the British Antarctic Survey stations or who has recently returned from working on the ice (Skype isn’t possible due to bandwidth)
  • 45-minute slots available daily at 10.00am and 11.00am
  • Photos of the Antarctic stations plus biographies of the people your pupils have a chance to ask questions to
  • Format includes: a short 10 minute introduction from your ‘Antarctic educator’ then time for questions – please get your pupils involved in advance!

If you’d like to participate please follow these instructions:

Email the following details to press@bas.ac.uk by Wednesday 22 November with ‘Antarctica Day’ in the subject line

  • Teacher or contact name
  • Name of the school
  • Age of the pupils
  • Details of how it fits into the curriculum – specify if Geography or Science
  • Preferred day – Monday 27, Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 or Friday 1
  • Preferred time – 10am or 11am
  • Telephone number to call

We know this opportunity is likely to be over-subscribed so please try to have a minimum of 30 pupils for each slot so we can reach as many young people as possible! Our colleagues at the UK Polar Network are encouraging schools to take part in their ‘Antarctica Day Flags Initiative’, to find out about how to get involved find out more here

Antarctica Day was inaugurated in 2010 to celebrate the 1st December 1959 signature of the Antarctic Treaty, which was adopted “with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind.” Antarctica Day was initiated by the Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces as an annual event to build global awareness of this landmark institution, celebrating this milestone of peace in our civilization with hope and inspiration for future generations.

The Antarctic Treaty has been signed by 50 nations to date and covers the area south of 60°S latitude. The Treaty has ensured that Antarctica remains a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.

With a vision for young people to be aware of how countries can build on their common interests – Antarctica Day is an opportunity to demonstrate how diverse nations can work together peacefully, continuously using science as a global language of cooperation for decision making beyond national boundaries.

Antarctica Day is a partnership with a number of organizations lead by the Association for Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), Our Spaces, Polar TREC and Polar Educators International (PEI).