South Middlesex Times

Rutgers University is bringing the remote expanses of Antarctica into classrooms across the United States through the Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Live Video Teleconference (VTC) series. This initiative allows over 725 students from 27 schools and youth clubs to interact in real-time with researchers stationed at Palmer Station on Anvers Island.

The sessions, organized by Rutgers’ Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, are designed not only to educate but also to inspire students to envision themselves as future scientists. Janice McDonnell, a STEM agent with Rutgers’ Department of 4-H Youth Development, highlights this objective: "The VTC series doesn’t just transport students to Antarctica, it empowers them to see themselves as future scientists and climate advocates."

Researchers Mya Sharpe of Rutgers, Maya Thomas from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Abby Tomita of Oregon State University, answer questions about their work in the challenging Antarctic environment. One remarkable aspect students noted was the relatively low amount of snow during the Antarctic summer.

Mya Sharpe, a biological oceanographer, explains that she is studying how retreating glaciers affect phytoplankton blooms, which are crucial to the Antarctic food web and global ecosystems. She connects her childhood curiosity with her current work and shares it with students to inspire them.

This educational effort extends beyond VTC by integrating with the "Data to the Rescue: Penguins Need Our Help!" program. This initiative, spanning eight weeks, offers students practical experience in planning expeditions, collecting data, and communicating scientific findings.

Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H program coordinator, described the program as a unique and engaging experience, allowing even young children to become invested in Antarctic preservation through the fate of the Adélie penguin. Middle school teacher Andi Twiss echoed the sentiment, noting the program's impact on her students and teaching career.

Twiss's involvement with the program led her to become an educator at Palmer Station, aiming to strengthen her students' connection to Antarctic research. She now has the opportunity to guide students more deeply into understanding Antarctica's crucial environmental role.

The consistent end to each VTC session involves an essential question: What can students in the U.S. do to support Antarctica? Researchers urge students to engage with science, share knowledge, and participate in civic activities to foster climate action.

These initiatives by Rutgers serve to amplify awareness and equip students with confidence and knowledge, preparing them to be part of the climate solution. Mitaali Taskar, a science communicator with Rutgers, oversees these outreach efforts.