Riverside Students Study Antarctica, Skype With Anders Island Researcher

Riverside Elementary School students in Mark Eastburn's third through fifth grade science classes had their first-ever opportunity to speak with somebody directly in Antarctica.

The students, who are learning about geography and marine ecosystems in Antarctica, connected, via Skype, to Lizzy Asher, a Ph.D. student at the University of British Columbia, who is conducting research at Palmer Station on Anvers Island. In addition, they were treated to an in-class presentation by Sven Kranz, a postdoctoral researcher working with The Trace Metal Group at Princeton University.

The students learned about marine ecosystems in Antarctica, which ties directly into the third grade science curriculum on oceans and fifth grade curriculum on energy flow through ecosystems, as well as the geography of Antarctica, tying into the fourth grade science curriculum on erosion and glaciation.

Students also learned some interesting facts about conducting research in Antarctica. If you're a scientist on the chilly continent, get ready for tent camping, which means keeping clothed without showering for up to two weeks. Also, be prepared for elephant seals trying to get on your boat, and PLEASE do not interfere with penguins crossing your path!

The children were also treated to amazing photos and videos as part of the presentation, which was held in the Riverside School science lab and arranged with the help of Anne Morel Kraepiel and Jodi Young of Princeton University.

Riverside would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Jeff Otten and the other members of Palmer Station who made this experience possible for our young scientists.

This article was submitted by Princeton Public Schools.

Keep up with Princeton news by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter.