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Connecting Arctic/Antarctic Researchers and Educators (CARE) is a professional development network managed by ARCUS, using online web meetings to support the integration of science research experiences into classroom curriculum. CARE brings together teachers and researchers to discuss field experiences, current science issues, content, technology resources, and pedagogy.

WHO CAN JOIN CARE?WHO CAN JOIN CARE?
  • We welcome anyone that is interested in bringing real-world polar science into the classroom! The CARE Network is also open to educators who have participated in polar teacher research experiences programs (i.e. TREC, PolarTREC, TEA, ARISE, IPY-ROAM, NOAA TAS, ARMADA.)
  • Polar researchers can join CARE groups and join the discussion as a regular CARE participant or be invited to present to one or more CARE groups.
HOW DO I JOIN CARE?HOW DO I JOIN CARE?
  • Joining CARE is voluntary and not a requirement of the PolarTREC program. To join CARE, fill out the online CARE Registration form.
  • A CARE list serve is also available for further exchange between teachers and polar researchers.
HOW ARE CARE GROUPS STRUCTURED?HOW ARE CARE GROUPS STRUCTURED?
  • Participants are divided in to small groups, arranged by grade level and time zones.
  • Each group is faciliatated by a teacher and staff from ARCUS. The teacher facilitator is a teacher that has had prior polar research experience and has an interest in helping other teachers work together.
WHEN DO THE CARE GROUPS MEET?WHEN DO THE CARE GROUPS MEET?
  • The group determines the schedule, but in general they meet several times between September and May for one-hour.
  • Group meetings utilize an Internet platform (Wimba) that supports real-time online presentations, audio, and chat functions to allow for interaction between all the participants. Particpation is FREE!  instructions on how to join the online webinar are sent out to participants prior to the meeting.
  • Each meeting is archived and available online after the completion of the live session.
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE MEETINGS?WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE MEETINGS?
  • CARE meeting topics are determined by each group and based on their current needs. Topics are decided on at the first meeting and a schedule is set up for those topics and presenters are outlined for the upcoming school year.
  • Researchers are also invited to present on current research and their work in the K-12 classroom during these meetings.
  • We also host CARE Seminars focusing on issues that are of interest to a wider range of educators. These are advertised separately than the regular CARE meetings and open to the public. 
  • NEXT CARE SEMINAR: Now Archived! 9 November, 2009 - From the Tropics to the Poles -- What the oceans have to tell us about climate change. Learn more about climate change from researchers Sam Bowser and Mark Leckie. Hear about some great activities and teaching strategies from teachers Tina and Bob King. This event is now archived and we'll post a link to it soon!

WHY SHOULD I JOIN CARE?WHY SHOULD I JOIN CARE?

  • By joining a broader learning community of educators and researchers, we hope participants can further their work to bring polar research into classrooms. The CARE groups offer the opportunity for participants to enhance their professional development through discussions of field experiences, current science issues, content, technology resources, and pedagogy. Through discussion these groups leverage the diverse experiences and expertise of the participants.
  • Other benefits include contributing resources to the online learning resources database, connecting with others in the member directory, and recieveing a "Certificate of Participation" for the number of hours for participating in CARE.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE?WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE?