Palmer LTER Education & Outreach

PAL’s Educational Mission

Since its inception in 1990, the PAL LTER education and outreach program focuses on increasing the publics’ knowledge and excitement for science conducted along the western Antarctic peninsula (WAP) through partnerships with a wide variety of informal science centers, universities, science museums, aquariums, nonprofit organizations, corporations, broadcast media, community and govenment leaders.

We strive to:

  • Promote understanding of the polar ocean environment though our Polar Literacy Initiative
  • Support the next generation of young scientists through rich and innovative field and classroom experiences for K-12 students; and
  • Provide opportunities to pursue lifelong learning through public outreach intiatives, events, and meetings.

We infuse the science of the WAP into effective practices of teaching and learning through our focus on:

Data Literacy: Our programs highlight the value of long-term ecological research and scientific data collection. Our educational programing such as our Polar Literacy Data Jam and Sci-I program use LTER data to build students’ data skills.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and awareness: We consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and awareness in every aspect of the development and implementation of our programs.

Featured Resources

Explore the Polar Literacy Principles
This Polar Literacy Principle video (principle #3) focuses on building awareness and understanding of climate change
In this video, watch Dr. Megan Cimino describe her research

Palmer Station Webcams

Education & Outreach Areas

Graduate Students

Palmer researchers provide a wide array of experiences for graduate research that are integrally connected to the main research questions investigated by the LTER team.

For Students and Families

Are you interested in learning more about Antarctica and the polar regions? Check here for activities that you can do at home.

Corporate and Non Profit Partnerships

LTER scientists collaborate with the cruise ship industry, environmental non-profit organizations, and state agencies to promote Polar Literacy.

K12 and Other Education Professionals

The LTER team brings Antarctica to classrooms across the country through live vidoeteleconferences (VTCs), data-rich programs, ask-a-scientist events, and more. Explore our resources and opportunities to find the perfect fit for your students!

Public Events and Meetings

Palmer LTER scientists enjoy sharing their research in public forums – bringing the excitement of Antarctic science to audiences nationwide!

Social Media

Recent Projects

Middle School students present at the PAL LTER SCI-I Research Symposium

Educators brainstorm how to integrate polar lessons into their curriculum

PAL LTER scientists connect with young people across the U.S. through the Video Teleconference program

People of all ages learn about the unique organisms of the WAP through a broad range of programs, social media campaigns, workshops, and meetings

Questions?

For more information, please contact:
Janice McDonnell, Palmer LTER Education & Outreach Coordinator