Teachers and scientists met to discuss the changes that have been observed in the Polar Regions, the relevance of scientific research carried out in these regions and the importance of science education on the subject in question.Read More
The 2nd Portuguese “Workshop Education & Science: Polar Research to the Classroom" organized by Polar Educators International Portugal (PEI Portugal) and the Institute of Education, University of Lisbon took place on March 5 at the University of Lisbon. The workshop had 27 participants from across the country. In addition to lectures on the polar science today, where climate change and global warming and its impact on the Arctic region was one of the most debated topics, the work developed by the Portuguese committees of Polar Educators International organizations (PEI) and Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) was presented, along with the projects being developed in cooperation with the European IRRESISTIBLE Project. Teacher developed activities were also shared. The day ended with a brainstorming session, focused on the future of polar education and outreach in Portugal.
The importance of developing initiatives that promote society engagement in polar science, especially the educational community, and the need to take action to contribute to the mitigation of global consequences was the main messages obtained on this day of debate. In this sense the next goals to achieve were defined as:
"Bring Polar Science to the Classroom!" This topic engaged teachers and educators on March 1st, 2014 in Mamarrosa, Portugal at the National Science & Education Workshop organized by IMAR-CMA (University of Coimbra) and Citizenship and Education Institute.Read More
This workshop followed up on the 2013 International Workshop held in Coimbra. The Coimbra workshop provided basics of polar science to teachers and educators through lectures from young polar scientists. Polar educational projects and initiatives in Portugal and abroad were presented, including the work of Polar Educators International.
The discussion and networking continued during the 2014 workshop. Examples of activities teachers and educators can easily do in their schools and venues were presented. Collaboration between teachers/educators and the Portuguese polar science community was highlighted.
By the end of the day, two main ideas emerged. First of all, taking scientists to the classroom and bringing the students to their laboratories effectively increases the interest of the younger generations in the scientific fields. Secondly, the introduction of scientific work to the classroom greatly enhances the critical thinking in both the students and the school community.
The workshop was intense, fruitful and well received.
Event Summary: Polar Educators International (PEI) and the Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Research Centre (ARC) teamed up this year to host a booth at the Exploration Station. This informal public science event is hosted by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) as part of the annual AGU Fall Meeting, and provides an opportunity for the San Francisco public to engage with several scientists attending the meeting. Read More
Thank you to all of the PEI members who helped to make the Exploration Station a success. Through this event we gained several news PEI members and helped spread the word about this new and exciting organization.