Wanted: Teachers For Antarctic Expedition

The education charity The Fuchs Foundation is looking for four teachers to replace the world of whiteboards and SATS papers with the icy world of the Antarctic for a stint in 2010.

If you’re a current science or geography teacher and that sounds like your bag, the challenge for applicants is to devise an experiment that you can carry out during the expedition. It should enhance polar research and contribute to your own subject field at the same time.

To get an idea of the kind of thing the Foundation are looking for, take a peep at the experiments that the 2009 crew, who will be crossing the Greenland ice cap, are planning. Experiments range from a survey of black carbon fallout on the ice through to a Beijing-rivalling Arctic Olympics, complete with such challenges as the ‘snow hop’! See details.

Devising a science experiment of your own could get you a trip to one of the earth’s most incredible landscapes, but if you think this could be a chance to escape the all-seeing eyes of your pupils for a few weeks then think again. The idea is that students will be able to follow the progress of their teachers’ experiments while they’re on the ice, as well as hearing more about them after the return journey to the UK.

The Fuchs Foundation says:

"Science and Geography are perceived as dull subjects and hard work", and the expedition is a chance to overturn this perception. Besides, "no one forgets an inspirational teacher and the Fuchs Foundation believes the key is challenge and experience."

So what will that experience involve? Well, as you’d expect of an expedition to the Antarctic, it won’t all be plain sailing. Stunning landscapes will of course be on the menu, but so will temperatures down to minus 40 degrees, not to mention the hefty task of raising a five figure sum to contribute to the expedition.

If that doesn’t daunt you, visit the Fuchs Foundation website for full details, or email them on info@fuchsfoundation.org to register your interest.

Good luck!