A Walk Through the Earth: Volcanoes and Earthquakes

In this podcast, Eric Muller, science educator for the Exploratorium Teacher Institute in San Francisco, California provides a hands-on, "feet-on" way of teaching about volcanoes and the layers of the Earth. For more information: Beyond Penguins Issue 9: Earth's Changing Surface.

Why Polar Bears Don't Eat Penguins

Dr. Ross MacPhee, curator and researcher at the American Museum of Natural History provides content background on polar mammals past and present, explains basic adaptations of Arctic mammals, and discusses current means of studying mammals in the field. For additional program links: Beyond Penguins Issue 10: Polar Mammals.

Birdwatcher's Delight: Birds and Inquiry Learning

Join us on a special trip up to Bathurst Island to record birdsongs, and learn about how you can use bird observations to create scientific inquiry in your classroom using ebird.org and birds.cornell.edu/birdsleuth. For more information: Beyond Penguins Issue 11: Arctic and Antarctic Birds.

The Lowdown on Climate Change

Dr. Andy Monaghan, researcher at the National Center for Atmospheric Research gives us the lowdown on climate change and it's impact on Antarctica. In doing so, educators can address common questions students might have about climate change and also learn simple ways that we can mitigate our impact on the environment. For more information: "Weather and Climate: The Short and the Long of It".

What's For Dinner? Teaching Arctic Food Chains

We already know why polar bears don't eat penguins, but what do they eat? In this episode, we'll share a simple activity that opens a window to understanding a unique ecosystem as one example of a food chain - the Arctic Ocean. For more information on ecosystems and food chains, see Issue 13 - Tundra: Life in the Polar Extremes.

Deep Sea Thinking: Exploring the World's Ocean

Most of our oceans still remain a mystery. Dr. Chris Massell Symons shares how scientists are exploring the depths to uncover their secrets. Also: find out about a fun song to "lure" your students into learning about our One Big Ocean. For more, see: Issue 14: Oceans

Density in the Making: The Changing Face of Polar Glaciers and Icebergs

Standing on the Greenland Ice Sheet, a team of scientists get a first-hand look at the rapidly changing face of polar icebergs and glaciers. Through recordings from the Exploratorium's Ice Stories project, you'll learn about their adventures and what these changes in ice can teach us about density.

Storytime! The Boy Who Found the Light

The sun disappears from the Arctic every winter, plunging the land into darkness for months. Storyteller Kate Lutz tells a traditional Inuit tale that you can play for your students -- to help them imagine life in an Arctic village, waiting for the light.

Warm Blankets and Cold Breezes: Misconceptions About Heat and What To Do About Them

Students know that blankets keep them warm, but often misunderstand why. Dr. Valerie Otero shares some activities that helps us target these "misconceptions," and gives us a new way to think about student ideas in the classroom.

I've Tried Everything! Strategies for Working With Kids With Attention Disorders

While the rest of the webzine is off "exploring," we stick closer to home -- discussing classroom strategies. Kids with attention disorders can be disruptive, and frustrating to a teacher who is managing an entire class. These children do want to succeed in school-- how can we help them to do so? Veteran teacher Melissa Fike shares tips and strategies from her 22 years of teaching.

Of Snow Forts and Frostbite: Learning to Work (and Play) at the Poles

What's it like, doing research at the bottom, or the top, of the world? Hear the passionate stories of one teacher's trip to Antarctica, and the messages he brought home to his students. Plus, hear stories of researchers battling subzero temperatures and dangerous conditions to gather data about the Earth's climate.

No Gloom, No Doom: Teaching About Climate Without Scaring Your Students.

Climate change is not only complicated, it can be pretty scary -- for kids and adults alike. Educator and scientist Mark McCaffrey shares some tips for answering common misconceptions about climate, but avoiding the fear of climate change, by using activities that inspire and empower students.