OBJECTIVE:

In celebration of International Polar Year, 90-north is proud to launch an environmental education program with a concentration on the Arctic and Antarctic biospheres.

MISSION:

Exploration and discovery of the Earth's polar regions encompass many disciplines, spanning the range from anthropology to zoology. Knowledge of polar science in a broad sense can further inspire the study of science as human endeavor, the nature of science and history, of science as inquiry, and of science and technology.

Charismatic wildlife, extreme environments, expansive fields of snow and ice, daring explorers and human resourcefulness all captivate the imagination. Even though people of all ages and cultural groups are fascinated by the poles, it is the younger students whose interest should be effectively captured because they have not yet formed opinions or misconceptions about science. The instructive material supporting this program is predominantly geared to students in grades 3-5, its intent being to engage young minds, stimulate their curiosity, and fire their enthusiasm for learning how the Earth's polar regions impact global climate systems which profoundly affect the lives of the planet's inhabitants.

The fundamental edict is that human beings are not distinct from nature but are a part of it.

90-north brings this message into the classroom through stories of personal expeditions and experiences as well as those of fellow adventurers and explorers of today. As an integral part of the program's “"HANDS ON = MINDS ON"” approach, each presentation includes lesson-appropriate accompanying cultural and animal artifacts which the students are invited to touch and feel.

By integrating polar geoscience content into the basic classroom curriculum and range of learning environments, and by striving to be both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary in content, it is possible to encourage and foster not only science literacy, but also improve reading, math, and social skills, as well as cognitive values.

90-north invites you to become part of this new endeavor and educational expedition!

AFFILIATIONS:

American Polar Society
Byrd Polar Research Center USPRR
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Arctic Research Consortium of the US (ARCUS)
Will Steger Foundation
United Nations - Conference on Climate Change
Polar Bears International
American Himalayan Foundation
Sterling Hill Institute of Geosciences
Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization
World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations
Guiding Eyes for the Blind