In 2002 & 2005, Shane Kanatous, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology at Colorado State University, went to Antarctica to investigate the unique adaptations that allow young Weddell seal pups to develop into elite divers and kept in touch with hundreds of students across the US by sending photos and messages about his research and personal observations.  He will be departing for his fifth trip to the one of the world's coldest places in October 2006 to continue his research. 

This year, STARS is collaborating with McMaster University YES I Can! Science Project in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Biology Department of Colorado State University.  Check Out this website at Polar Science 2006 to learn more about his project and get your students involved in this scientific adventure by learning about his journey, trying to answer his weekly questions, and submitting questions for him to answer during his stay in Antarctica. 



Expedition 2006 can be found at:

http://www.polar06.yesican-projects.ca

The Polar Science 2006 Project is now open for registrations. There is no cost for registering your class, and once registration has been completed, you will have access to the Class Management section of the site to set up your student logins. In the meantime, feel free to browse the bios of Dr. Kanatous's expedition team and the suggested student investigations and research activities. The site will be open to student logins and all communication tools will be accessible October 1, 2006.

This project runs from August 15, 2006 to January 10, 2007. Registration is from August 14, 2006 to December 1, 2006. 
This project is suitable for students from Grade 4 to Grade 12.

The Archived Expeditions 2002 & 2005 can be found at:



http://www.swmed.edu/stars/02antarcticexpedition/index.htm