Education and polar research: bringing polar science into the classroom

The Polar Regions play an important role in the global processes of our planet, from climate change to sea level rise, protection from UV (ultraviolet) radiation to uptake of carbon dioxide. In addition, their scientific importance, extraordinary beauty and adventurous history provide perfect ingredients for both education and public outreach.Polar examples provide an excellent way to transmit basic concepts about a wide range of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. The IPY (International Polar Year) brought educators and scientists together and provided the incentive for the formation of the PEI (Polar Educators International), an organization encouraging the exchange of ideas between educators and researchers and enhancement of the profile of polar education on the international scene. Educators must be adequately informed about current scientific polar research and have the confidenceto teach it to students. Scientists have the knowledge and data to explain these complexities, but may lack the communication skills to make the subject accessible to non-technical audiences. The development of this new network between polar educators and scientists has the potential to break down walls that restrict international collaboration and understanding, provide educators with topical and reliable information and share best practices internationally in an effective way.