Glad to hear you arrived in Antarctica safely. We were interested in the plane you flew in to get there. Was it cold in the plane? It sure didn't look as comfortable as a commercial plane. When we get back from vacation, we'll be ready to ask more questions.
Hi Mrs. Happ's Fifth Grade Class! It's great to hear form you and we're looking forward to more questions.
The plane we flew on from New Zealand to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, was an LC-130. This is a military cargo plane. There are not seats, like on a regular commercial plane. Instead, there are cargo-netting benches with seat belts. It was pretty comfortable, but a little cramped. The cabin was pressurized and temperature controlled, but it seemed like the crew was having difficulty controlling the settings. At first it was really hot, then really cold, then really hot. I will see if I have any good pictures of us in the plane that I can put up on the blog.
Thanks Eric! The hike you took before Christmas looked beautiful over the glacier! How far was the hike? Also, do you ever take any samples or study the the animal carcasses that you find?
Thanks for the questions! We traveled from a total of 7 to 7.5 miles, but probably 3 of that were by ATV across a frozen lake (Lake Fryxell). We then hiked 4 miles, partly over the frozen lake, then along the Canada Glacier, then over the glacier, then back down the side of a mountain to our destination (Lake Hoare Camp).
We didn't take any samples on this hike, but we often do lots of hiking and sampling and more hiking on a normal day of field work.
Any sort of science involving animals like seals and penguins, even mummified seals and penguins, can be tricky. The Antarctic Treaty prohibits any interaction between people and animals, including the carcasses. Scientists who study the live or mummified animals need to get special permits. Our research is not really concerned with the live or mummified seals or penguins, so I just take pictures of them.
Dear Dr. Sokol, We enjoyed looking at all the pictures of the glacier and ice fields you posted. We were surprised that you were able to wear fairly light clothing. We thought it might be somewhat colder even though it is summer there. Nonetheless, we had a few questions about the pictures and hoped you might have some time to answer them. We wanted to know about how tall the glacier that looked like a cliff measured and what the lines on the face of the glacier are caused from. We were also fascinated by the picture of the rock formation that looked like long fingers. What type of rock was it? Would we be able to find similar rocks here in Michigan? We hope all is going well and look forward to your answers. Mrs. Happ and Students
Dear Dr. Sokol, Thank you so much for your wonderful answers – we are learning lots and now we have more questions about the glaciers. First of all, we were wondering if you have noticed any changes in the glaciers since you have been going to Antarctica. Is there any melting or perhaps more melting now than before? If so, does it change the amount of organisms you find when you are out collecting things? Finally, we learned about the snow goggles the Inuit designed a long time ago because the sun was so bright and wondered if you had to protect your eyes with more than just regular sunglasses when you are outside. We hope you have a good week. Mrs. Happ’s Class
Hi Eric, Here are some questions from Columbia High School Biochemistry students in Maplewood, NJ!
Keely: What kind of field resources/equipment do you have available to you for your research? Do you have to bring your own, or does the research station provide everything?
Corey: How long is McMurdo Station open for research (out of the year)? How much work do you do outside of Antarctica compared with that done in the field?
Tim and Jack: What does your diet consist of? How often do you get to eat? What kinds of foods are available to you? What's not available?
Emmaline: Do you witness the Southern Lights?
Nigel: What do you think are the most immediate consequences of climate change on Antarctica and globally.
Nick: How often do you interact with other researchers and is there often a language barrier?
Leigh: Are there notable environmental (longterm) changes between the area of McMurdo Station and the remote/uninhabited parts of Antarctica?
Carmen: Is there a noticeable difference in the air in terms of breathing?
Jack: Is the data (and techniques used to collect data) similar to that collected on Mars???
Emmaline: How cold is the coldest days you experience? Can you expose your skin?
ps...we are hoping to connect with you via Google Chat. Jeb and I will be making some plans to do so! Thanks for doing this blog, great for students!
Dear Eric, I teach at Hillel Day School. Last year we blogged with you. The first graders will "visit" Antarctica next week and we will read your blog and then of course, ask some questions. Your mom has been helpful in giving us your website which is so very interesting. We remember when you came to visit Hillel. We hope to see you again. If you are planning a visit, let us know. This is a test comment to see if you get it. We will communicate next week. Carol Fridson, First Grade Teacher
Hi Carol Fridson, Thanks for posting. I did indeed get your message. I will do my best to answer any questions your first graders have. Things are pretty hectic right now as we are finishing up lab work and packing up for the season, but I will continue to update the blog and answer questions as best I can. I'm looking forward to hearing more from your class!
We are so happy to be able to talk with you again this year! We know that you are on your way back home but we are certain you could answer a question or two about your experience. 1. Is it comfy wearing all of that snow gear? 2. How far away is the sun from Antarctica? 3. How do penguins survive the bitter cold? 4. How much food and what kind of food do you eat? 5. Do you enjoy the type of experiments you do? 6. If you have sunlight all of the time, how do you sleep?
Glad to hear you arrived in Antarctica safely. We were interested in the plane you flew in to get there. Was it cold in the plane? It sure didn't look as comfortable as a commercial plane. When we get back from vacation, we'll be ready to ask more questions.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Happ's Fifth Grade Class! It's great to hear form you and we're looking forward to more questions.
DeleteThe plane we flew on from New Zealand to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, was an LC-130. This is a military cargo plane. There are not seats, like on a regular commercial plane. Instead, there are cargo-netting benches with seat belts. It was pretty comfortable, but a little cramped. The cabin was pressurized and temperature controlled, but it seemed like the crew was having difficulty controlling the settings. At first it was really hot, then really cold, then really hot. I will see if I have any good pictures of us in the plane that I can put up on the blog.
Thanks Eric! The hike you took before Christmas looked beautiful over the glacier! How far was the hike? Also, do you ever take any samples or study the the animal carcasses that you find?
ReplyDeleteMrs. Happ and (Matt too)
Thanks for the questions! We traveled from a total of 7 to 7.5 miles, but probably 3 of that were by ATV across a frozen lake (Lake Fryxell). We then hiked 4 miles, partly over the frozen lake, then along the Canada Glacier, then over the glacier, then back down the side of a mountain to our destination (Lake Hoare Camp).
DeleteWe didn't take any samples on this hike, but we often do lots of hiking and sampling and more hiking on a normal day of field work.
Any sort of science involving animals like seals and penguins, even mummified seals and penguins, can be tricky. The Antarctic Treaty prohibits any interaction between people and animals, including the carcasses. Scientists who study the live or mummified animals need to get special permits. Our research is not really concerned with the live or mummified seals or penguins, so I just take pictures of them.
Dear Dr. Sokol,
DeleteWe enjoyed looking at all the pictures of the glacier and ice fields you posted. We were surprised that you were able to wear fairly light clothing. We thought it might be somewhat colder even though it is summer there. Nonetheless, we had a few questions about the pictures and hoped you might have some time to answer them. We wanted to know about how tall the glacier that looked like a cliff measured and what the lines on the face of the glacier are caused from. We were also fascinated by the picture of the rock formation that looked like long fingers. What type of rock was it? Would we be able to find similar rocks here in Michigan? We hope all is going well and look forward to your answers.
Mrs. Happ and Students
Dear Dr. Sokol,
DeleteThank you so much for your wonderful answers – we are learning lots and now we have more questions about the glaciers. First of all, we were wondering if you have noticed any changes in the glaciers since you have been going to Antarctica. Is there any melting or perhaps more melting now than before? If so, does it change the amount of organisms you find when you are out collecting things? Finally, we learned about the snow goggles the Inuit designed a long time ago because the sun was so bright and wondered if you had to protect your eyes with more than just regular sunglasses when you are outside. We hope you have a good week.
Mrs. Happ’s Class
Hi Mrs. Happ, thanks for the questions! I posted answers on the main blog page.
DeleteHi Eric,
ReplyDeleteHere are some questions from Columbia High School Biochemistry students in Maplewood, NJ!
Keely: What kind of field resources/equipment do you have available to you for your research? Do you have to bring your own, or does the research station provide everything?
Corey: How long is McMurdo Station open for research (out of the year)?
How much work do you do outside of Antarctica compared with that done in the field?
Tim and Jack: What does your diet consist of? How often do you get to eat? What kinds of foods are available to you? What's not available?
Emmaline: Do you witness the Southern Lights?
Nigel: What do you think are the most immediate consequences of climate change on Antarctica and globally.
Nick: How often do you interact with other researchers and is there often a language barrier?
Leigh: Are there notable environmental (longterm) changes between the area of McMurdo Station and the remote/uninhabited parts of Antarctica?
Carmen: Is there a noticeable difference in the air in terms of breathing?
Jack: Is the data (and techniques used to collect data) similar to that collected on Mars???
Emmaline: How cold is the coldest days you experience? Can you expose your skin?
ps...we are hoping to connect with you via Google Chat. Jeb and I will be making some plans to do so! Thanks for doing this blog, great for students!
Mrs. Phillips' First Graders want to know...
ReplyDeleteHow many miles is it from Pelzer, South Carolina to Antarctica? How long would it take to travel there?
What kinds of bugs have you seen in Antarctica and have you caught any?
Have you seen any penguin rookeries while you've been there?
How many types of animals live in Antarctica?
Why can't people live in Antarctica, but they can visit? What kind of clothing or shelter do you have to use to keep warm?
How do you make your food? Is there enough electricity?
Hi Mrs. Phillips' First Graders. Thanks for the great questions! I have posted answers on the main blog.
DeleteDear Eric,
ReplyDeleteI teach at Hillel Day School. Last year we blogged with you. The first graders will "visit" Antarctica next week and we will read your blog and then of course, ask some questions. Your mom has been helpful in giving us your website which is so very interesting. We remember when you came to visit Hillel. We hope to see you again. If you are planning a visit, let us know. This is a test comment to see if you get it. We will communicate next week.
Carol Fridson, First Grade Teacher
Hi Carol Fridson,
DeleteThanks for posting. I did indeed get your message. I will do my best to answer any questions your first graders have. Things are pretty hectic right now as we are finishing up lab work and packing up for the season, but I will continue to update the blog and answer questions as best I can. I'm looking forward to hearing more from your class!
Dear Dr. Sokol,
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to be able to talk with you again this year! We know that you are on your way back home but we are certain you could answer a question or two about your experience.
1. Is it comfy wearing all of that snow gear?
2. How far away is the sun from Antarctica?
3. How do penguins survive the bitter cold?
4. How much food and what kind of food do you eat?
5. Do you enjoy the type of experiments you do?
6. If you have sunlight all of the time, how do you sleep?
Thanks for the questions! I posted my answers on the main page of the blog.
Delete