The weather out here has been beautiful for the webcasts, quite unlike previous years. We have seen many bears, but some were pretty skinny compared to previous years (we rated one at between 2 and 3 on a 5–point scale today, because we could see the points of his hips but couldn’t see his ribs showing through). I’m worried about the condition of some of the bears. This lowered bear condition will be exacerbated by continuing warm weather and positive–feedback warming (clear skies, open dark water that absorbs sunlight instead of reflecting it like ice and snow do, etc). My very personal feeling is that it hurts deep in my gut to see thin bears, and to know that humanity has caused this climate change and global warming and that some people are in denial about the facts, so are frozen into inaction when we really need to take action immediately.

We’ve had a lot of viewers of our webcasts and videoconferences, and we have had good and intelligent questions. We were able to hold their attention, of course, by showing the tundra and the bears beyond—we had about 15 different bears today and as many yesterday. During the videoconference yesterday, the drama was a mother and a relatively large Cub of the Year (COY) trying to make it back to shore while the tide was rising under the in–shore ice. We were trying to pay attention to the class and the COY at the same time—as the COY kept trying to jump from ice chunk to ice chunk, it went into and under the  water several times. The COY did NOT drown, and made it to the shore with its mother, then they both rolled in the snow to dry themselves off. We were a little more relaxed as we continued that videoconference!

I think the webcast crew this year has been AMAZING! For all of us to sit on a Tundra Buggy educational platform to have good conversations with students of many ages is just incredible. I wonder if the viewers and others know how much expertise is on this Buggy at one time! Dr. Tom Smith or Geoff York, with decades of experience studying polar bears in the wild, Julene Reed with her knowledge as such a professional educator, or Kassie Siegel with her incredible wealth of knowledge and experience on the legislative front. It has been a real honor for me to sit and chat with these folks, and with the scientists like Andrew Derocher that Polar Bears International had in town last week to do educational talks there for all of us. The overwhelming evidence continues to show that global warming is destroying the Arctic ice habitat, and many of the 19 polar bear populations are in decline because of it. For me, this means sleepless nights. I hope our visitors are understanding our message of Hope—that because the evidence is that people have caused this problem, and people are  smart, PEOPLE can also be the solution. I think a lot of the students understand this, and are trying to take personal action, action within their school, community, and families at home. I think their teachers and families might be listening. This gives me hope for the polar bears and other Arctic animals.

This is an incredible place, and I will hate to leave soon to go home, away from some of my favorite animals and people! I hope I can return to a returning ice habitat…”

Last year when I was here, it was cloudy most of the time that I was on the tundra. This year has been very different. It has been gorgeous and clear and sunny. Last year, I didn’t see the spectacular sunrises and sunsets by the Hudson Bay. Those are magic times of gorgeous blue and green water, bouncing colors of light hitting the snow, and reflections of the sun on the bears themselves. I had to just stop at different times and simply take in the beauty and wonder of this frozen land and the animals that inhabit it. It truly is spectacular. While we could see white ice far off in the distance on the horizon of the Hudson Bay, there is actually less ice forming near the shore than there was last week because of the sunshine and warmer, southern winds. The residents of this area are concerned at how late it is in the year, yet the Hudson Bay has not frozen more than it has. There have been a large number of bears wandering into town, and this is partially attributed to the fact that the Hudson Bay is not frozen. We are all hoping for colder weather very soon so the bears can move out to the ice and once again begin feeding on seals.

During my days on the tundra, the bears were very active. They were sparring (play fighting), ice punching, testing the ice floes by walking on them and jumping from one to another, rolling around, wrestling with each other, and being ever-curious about the humans who were observing them. We also saw a caribou, which is very unusual for this time of year.

The tourists who were guests staying on the Tundra Buggy Lodge were from all over the world. They started the trip not knowing each other, yet ended the trip as good friends because of their common experience and common passion for the bears. The panelists with whom I worked on the Tundra Connections education videoconferences and webcasts were amazing. We all were very diverse in our occupations, yet united by our common passion. We learned with and from each other all week. And, thanks to B. J. Kirschoffer’s technical expertise, the programs were all a great success! But, although this series of Tundra Connections events has ended, we’ve already had a debriefing, and we’ve scheduled a planning meeting for January. Already we are planning how to improve our outreach and make it even more engaging and impactful.

So, after days of watching the amazing bears on the tundra, meeting lots of new friends, being with lots of old friends (the PBI family), and working with iMax and NBC film crews, it is time to wind up my trip to Churchill for this season and focus on packing up and preparing to return back to Memphis. It is a time of celebrations for a season of work “well done,” a time of excitement about what we have accomplished, and a time of sadness as we all go our separate ways and return to our lives around the world. But, wherever we go, whatever we do, we will take the polar bears and the Arctic with us in our minds and in our hearts. We all will do our parts both individually and collectively to take action to stop the changing climate, protect polar bear habitat, and advocate for others to do the same.

So, as I leave Churchill tomorrow, I am re-energized to meet these challenges, knowing that others will be doing the same. And, the visual images of the eyes of the polar bears into which I looked so deeply this week will stay with me. And, the beauty of the Northern Lights on a starry, starry night in the Hudson Bay area of the Arctic in Canada will forever remind me of the beauty of this planet we are all inhabiting…and how important it is for each of us to be good stewards of this pale, blue dot (Earth) that we call home.

Once the torch run was completed in Churchill, then we actually had free time to participate in the town’s celebrations of the Olympic torch run which included speeches by dignitaries, a drum performance by a First Nation’s group, the transfer of the torch to the traveling lantern, and a celebratory barbecue. There was also time to browse the local gift shops. With the freshly fallen snow, the decorative lights on many of the gift shops, and the festive atmosphere, many of us commented that we suddenly felt ready for the upcoming holiday season. Churchill really has us in the mood for the winter holidays.

Upon returning to the PBI lodging, we held planning meetings with the panelists who would be participating in the upcoming Tundra Connections webcasts and videoconferences. We ate (again…it seems that is all we do here) and then those of us who were traveling to the Tundra Buggy Lodge for those upcoming events packed up our suitcases and prepared to depart for the launch area. However, there were some buggy repairs needed first, so our departure was delayed. But, at last we were on our way to the launch area.

When we arrived at the launch area where the buggies are stored at night, we had to drive around the area first, looking for bears as a safety precaution. There have been several bears in the area of Churchill at night, so it is highly recommended that we don’t walk anywhere at night unless we are in a large group. Polar bears usually will flee when there are three or more people in a group. Then, we boarded the buggy and headed across the tundra in the snow on our way to the lodge.

The fresh snow was magical as we drove across the tundra, but the evening became even more magical as it progressed. We hadn’t driven but about fifteen minutes, when suddenly a polar bear that had been sleeping on the road jumped up in front of us. So, we stopped to take photos of the bear with the glistening snow crystals on is fur before proceeding.

Once again we started toward the lodge when B.J. Kirschoffer, our driver and PBI’s field operations manager (I call him the techie guru of the north…) stopped the buggy a second time and turned off the lights. The one thing I missed during my trip to the Subarctic last year was seeing the northern lights, and to the excitement of all of us, the night had cleared, the stars were brilliantly shining (and there seemed to be millions of them), and the northern lights were “putting on” an amazing show of brilliant curtains and bands of dancing, moving lights! And, there were shooting stars repeatedly flying across the sky. It was truly a glorious sight. We stayed and watched for almost half an hour.

But, alas, we still had to get to the lodge where we were spending the night. So, we once again started our drive across the tundra. And, just when we thought the evening’s magic certainly had ended, a gorgeous and giant half-moon appeared on the horizon with a brilliant mirrored reflection shining brightly from the Hudson Bay. It truly was a magical night full of nature’s wonders, and it is was night all of us will remember.

So, the Sunday’s adventures were ones of great wonder in many ways…being a part of an Olympic experience, viewing the Northern Lights, and seeing the snowy world of the tundra under sparkling stars and a beautiful moon. We must all do our parts to help preserve this wondrous part of our world.

This week, Bill McClain, upper school environmental science teacher at St. George’s Independent School’s Collierville campus, is traveling to Churchill, Manitoba in Canada to work withPolar Bears International where he will be observing polar bears in the wild on the shores of the Hudson Bay. While Bill is there, he will be joining other scientists and zoologists to conduct webcasts and videoconferences as they “teach from the tundra.” They will be sharing information about polar bears, the Arctic, climate change and its effect on polar bear habitat, and ways to take action and make a difference.

Today, Bill flew to Winnipeg, Canada where he will spend the night at the Four Points Sheraton on the airport property. Then, tomorrow morning (Sunday), Bill will begin the real adventure of flying to Churchill.

Taylor, a St. George’s junior class member, attended the PBI Leadership Camp on the tundra about three weeks ago. It was an amazing and life-changing experience for her to join youth from all over the world, observe polar bears in the wild, discuss the impact that climate change is having on their habitat, and make plans to take action to make a difference.

I had the opportunity to be on the tundra for the first time last year, and I will be returning in about three weeks. It is truly an incredible experience, and I feel very lucky to be a part of Polar Bears International. I am so very excited that I have been able to share this adventure with other members of the St. George’s community.

So, be watching this blog this week as Bill starts journaling his experiences on the tundra and sharing his thoughts and experiences. And, join the webcasts to observe the bears on the tundra and share the adventure! For more information on the webcasts, visit the onine curriculum “Polar Bears in a Changing Climate” and also “Rolling on the Tundra.”

Julene Reed, Director of Academic Technology
St. George’s, Collierville

As some of you may recall, “Rolling on the Tundra,” an interdisciplinary study of polar bears and climate change, was published last year on the Apple Learning Interchange in conjunction with live webcasts conducted from the shores of the Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba. This year, there will be two different weeks of webcasts conducted from the tundra. These both are part of a new ALI exhibit, “Polar Bears in a Changing Climate.”

The webcasts this year are very engaging with live cameras on the bears on the tundra as well as video clips from bears recently encountered. The curriculum in the new exhibit is based on Challenge Based Learning, and the main focus is climate change.

The first series of webcasts includes an environmental science teacher from St. George’s as well as scientists and zoologists on the panel (Oct. 19-21). The second set of webcasts (Nov. 9-11) will include a great panel of experts as well, and I will facilitate that discussion. There is a sheet of FAQ’s for educators to use prior to the webcasts as well as lots of CBL resources that provide framework for educators new to this instructional strategy. And, there are some great resources to go with the lessons and webcasts. To participate in the webcasts, go to the “Polar Bears in a Changing Climate” exhibit for details.

Please share this information with others you know who may be interested. This should be a great series of informative session, and I hope that the resources will be beneficial.

You will currently find some great resources available on the site. More examples of technology-specific products being used to support the lessons and the solutions (psa’s created with iMovie, Pages documents, etc.), additional videos, etc. are being added, so be looking for those.

Below is the link for the new exhibit as well as the link for the one from last year. I hope that you will consider joining the webcasts, and that this information will be of benefit to you, your teachers, and/or your students.

“Polar Bears in a Changing Climate”

“Rolling on the Tundra”

Recently, members of the Tundra Buggy staff spotted a female polar bear with three cubs – something that has not been seen in that area for quite some time! Due to the detrimental effects of climate change on the health of polar bears in that region, the spotting of three cubs is very unique! Because of this year’s milder spring and summer conditions in that area and the delayed melting of the ice, these bears appear healthier than those that have been spotted the past few years. More information about the recent sighting of these bears and the related newscasts can be found on the Frontiers North Adventures blog.

While this is great news, scientists are quick to point out that the threat to this species absolutely still exists. The effects of climate change continue to take a toll on polar bears and other animal species around the world. It is through the continued efforts of all of us that we can make a difference in climate change and in the habitat of animals globally. Keep up the great work!

The main goal of PBI for the next five years is to reduce the effects of climate change in order to protect polar bear habitat. My charge (along with other PBI volunteers and staff members) in relation to this is to continue to plan, design, and implement educational initiatives related to the “Digital Stage” on the tundra and, more specifically, the “Tundra Connections.” Technology affords us the opportunity to educate and inform a global community about the challenges and issues of the Arctic that relate to climate change…the same issues that are affecting the health and habitat of the polar bears. Climate change not only is negatively affecting the Arctic and the polar bears, but it is also affecting the environment, animals, and humans globally.

The bad news is that the messages shared through the “Tundra Connections” are messages that are critical to everyone. The good news is that everyone truly can take action to make a difference in regard to this dilemma. Thus, the messages that will be shared through this year’s education initiatives for the events that will take place on the tundra will relate directly to this message – making a difference and taking action to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

So, know that we are busy getting ready for the upcoming season with interdisciplinary lessons, webcast plans, videoconferencing plans, a podcast series, etc. And, be sure to keep up with us through the Polar Bears International website, PBI’s Facebook, and our Twitter! We’ll also be at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference in Portland, Oregon in mid-September, and there will lots of exciting announcements at that conference.

I look forward to sharing lots of great information with everyone here as we begin another exciting year of travels on the tundra!

According to Wikipedia, “Twitter is a free social networking and micro–blogging service that enables its users to send and receive other users’ updates known as tweets.” PBI has decided to harness the “power” and communication strengths of this social networking media in order to better provide information and updates to its constituents and other interested parties.

In addition to Twitter, PBI also now has a Facebook account where visitors can get news updates about polar bears and climate change as well as share polar bear stories, videos, and photos. While Facebook started as a social networking site for people (initially college students), many organizations are now utilizing it as well.

So, subscribe to the Twitter and visit the Facebook account! We’d love to “see” you there!

Read the article  “No common ground at first polar bear summit” written by Patrick White and published by Globe and Mail or the article “Minister Prentice HIghlights Progress Made at Polar Bear Roundtable” that is published on MSNBC. Then, post your comments here to join the debate!

Today “The Forks” is a park and riverside promenade with playgrounds, shopping, restaurants, a Children’s Museum, and much more. It is a gathering place for the people of Winnipeg. I shopped, ate lunch, and walked all around this area, and when I looked across the river, a beautiful cathedral could be seen in the distance. As has happened in so many cities around the world, the cathedral’s beauty “called” me, and I wanted deperately to go and see it. So, I started my “hike” along the river and across the “Esplanade Riel” to see the Cathedral of Saint Boniface.

Upon arriving, I saw amazing statues, a very old cemetery with beautiful grave markers, and the front facade of what “used to be” the cathedral. Sadly, the cathedral had burned in 1968…and not for the first time. The cathedral was originally built in 1860, and what remains today is the stone framework of the cathedral. There is now a newer cathedral directly behind the facade of the first one. The visit to St. Boniface was an unexpected journey that touched my soul with its history and quiet beauty.

So, after a great afternoon of walking in the sunny, crisp Winnipeg weather, shopping in the Market Place, and eating “world famous” fish and chips at Fergie’s, I took a taxi back to the airport hotel. It is time to rest and prepare for my flight to Churchill, the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” tomorrow. There were many other tourists around me today, both on the plane and in the hotel, who were chatting about their upcoming trip to Churchill, and I could tell that it is very exciting for everyone as the dream of being on the tundra and seeing the polar bears in their natural environment comes closer to being a reality. Here we go! “Polar Bear, Polar Bear – What Do You Hear?” I think they will soon be hearing me laughing with amazement and delight!  ;-)