Virtual Field Trips to Antarctica!!

We were thrilled to get acquainted with Scientist Jean Pennycook and connect with her during her students in Camp Royds Antarctica!  The first call took place in mid December, which is the summer and mating season for the penguins.  Ms. Pennycook told us about the Adeline penguins, what they eat, how they interact, and how they are pretty curious about humans.  She took her laptop, hiked to the penguin camp and sat down.  The penguins walked right up. She said they didn't like to be touched, but they would come really close to her.  We could hear them "talking" and watched as moms and dads switched places babysitting the egg, while the other went for food.  We even watch one couple, and the one with the egg did not want to trade places and we all had a chuckle.  He or she must have been pretty comfortable!

Our second call introduced us to the babies.  It had been almost 4 weeks since our last call, so the babies were pretty big, but it was still amazing to see and hear them live.  We watched the parents feeding them in the warmest part of the summer (still below freezing).  And, although it seems harsh, we learned how the parents decide one day to leave the babies to fend for themselves and just don't come back.  The babies then must find their way to the ocean and hunt for food themselves.

Skype is an amazing tool for connecting with folks all over the world.  This year we have connected with places like Canada, Mongolia, Uganda, Australia, and lots of states around the US.  We have learned about wildlife, geography, language, culture, traditions...and learned presentation, communication, collaboration, and tech skills.  Skype is an invaluable tool.  Visit Skype in Education website to get you started discovering the world.  It's just waiting for you.



***Any time, any place, learn!*** ;)