Classrooms invited to join live Arctic adventure

Kicking off on 1 May, AXA XL Arctic Live is a unique learning experience that links pupils aged 7-16 with scientists exploring the frozen north, one of the most challenging and fastest-changing environments on the planet.  

Direct from their classrooms, pupils will participate in interactive broadcasts streaming from the NERC Arctic Research Station in the northernmost permanent community in the world, Ny Alesund, on the Svalbard archipelago.

They will have the chance to ask the experts – including Dr Ceri Lewis of the University of Exeter – about their investigations into microplastics and ocean acidification, which are putting the Arctic marine environment at risk.

AXA XL Arctic Live is underpinned by resources, including activities, lesson plans, galleries and virtual reality to support teachers introducing the Arctic and related field science in their classroom

The event is organised by Encounter Edu, who have been working in partnership with Dr Lewis and Dr Helen Findlay from Plymouth Marine Laboratory to provide education outreach for the field science. This year marks the second year of a three-year investigation.

Dr Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology, will host both an AM and PM live broadcast on 7 May about her research into microplastics in the Arctic and beyond.

She will be joined by Executive Director at Encounter Edu, Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop, to answer questions submitted by schools in advance and during the live broadcast.

Dr Lewis said: “The Arctic is emerging as a hot spot for microplastic accumulation, and modelling studies suggest that ocean currents may be transporting plastics from UK waters up the Arctic. We’ll be looking for microplastics in the Arctic waters which might be coming from the North Atlantic.

“Not only am I very excited to share the beauty and wonder of the Arctic with children from around the world, but I am also looking forward to explaining how the Arctic is at the forefront of both climate change and plastic pollution, two of the biggest societal issues of our time. To engage the next generation with these critical issues is also vitally important to me.”

PhD students Clara Nielson and Hannah Green will join Dr Lewis on her expedition to carry out their research on ocean acidification, and will also host their own live broadcasts.

AXA XL Arctic Live will take place from 1-8 May.

Classes that book first will be given priority with their submitted questions.