Sandra Makielski and Kelly Coursey-Gray

Makielski’s and Coursey-Gray’s creative teaching idea, “Antarctica: Podcasts for Change,” aims to help students make connections to a global location and practice using their speaking and technology skills. The students will participate in a three-part project. The first part will be students exploring global water challenges by reading and analyzing at least one book on the topic. They will review books and complete graphic organizers to gather information. Connections will be made through data collection, analysis and first-hand accounts. The second part involves students participating in multiple low-tech science experiments to deepen their understanding around the unique climate of Antarctica. They will look at ice melt, the role of blubber and the impact of increasing temperatures on Antarctica and the global community. During the final part, students will work cooperatively to research, create and produce two to three-minute podcasts to share with a wider audience connected to Antarctica that will inspire others to value and protect the “white continent.” The Voya grant will support the purchase of books, science supplies and equipment, and a Soundstrap subscription for podcasting.