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International Polar Year 2007–2008 - WMO

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Fig. 4.1-4. (left)<br />

Teachers participating<br />

in albedo experiment<br />

at <strong>Polar</strong>TEACHERS<br />

workshop in Oslo,<br />

Norway.<br />

Fig. 4.1-5.<br />

(right) Teachers<br />

participating in<br />

paleoenvironmental<br />

change experiment<br />

at <strong>Polar</strong>TEACHERS<br />

workshop in Oslo,<br />

Norway.<br />

496<br />

IPY 20 07–20 08<br />

Together, scientists and teachers are a force to<br />

be reckoned with – powerful and determined.<br />

I have never met so many researchers and<br />

scientists who are so willing to provide<br />

information and make connections with<br />

classroom teachers and our students. From<br />

paleontology to reindeer husbandry, I believe<br />

the connections forged at this IPY Science<br />

Conference in Oslo will be strengthening my<br />

own and my students understanding of and<br />

concern for the polar regions and climate<br />

change. Excited, affirmed, connected – this is<br />

how I leave the IPY conference.<br />

Caitlin Munroe<br />

Teacher, Manaugh Elementary School,<br />

Cortez, Colorado U.S.A.<br />

<strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA<br />

Coordinator: Mare Pit (Germany)<br />

Committee: Rene Malherbe (Netherlands), Khadijah<br />

Abdul-Rahman Sinclair (Malaysia), Jennifer Bellman<br />

(Canada), Amy Lauren Lovecraft (U.S.A.), Erlend<br />

Hermansen (Norway)<br />

The <strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA was a mixture of screenings,<br />

debates and open discussions with film makers,<br />

educators, scientists and the public on the success and<br />

impact of the medium in increasing our understanding<br />

of the Arctic and Antarctic and their relation to the rest<br />

of the globe. It showcased and celebrated productions<br />

that were inspired by the polar regions and that<br />

helped increase public awareness of their importance<br />

The <strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA Committee received 90<br />

applications from 17 different countries. Almost two-<br />

thirds of the films were documentaries that were<br />

developed from IPY science projects. Sixty-nine<br />

productions, ranging from podcasts to feature films,<br />

were finally selected by the committee for official<br />

screening in Oslo. Half of them (38) made it to the<br />

large screen where 24 productions were shown in<br />

full and 12 in fragments used to illustrate a certain<br />

lecture or combined with a personal presentation. The<br />

<strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA was run by two committee members:<br />

one in the role of host and one as a practical assistant<br />

and organizer.<br />

The films were well attended and provided unique<br />

viewpoints of science in extreme environments. The<br />

audience for the morning sessions varied between<br />

small to moderate (15-30), but was therefore very<br />

enthusiastic and participated in some great discussions.<br />

With the passing of the day the <strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA grew<br />

fuller and fuller. The late morning screenings attracted<br />

around 60-100 people and the afternoon sessions<br />

around 50-75. The full final screenings in the afternoon<br />

usual got at least 100 people in the cinema seats up<br />

to a full house of about 200. In almost every case,<br />

about 80% of the audience stayed at the sessions<br />

and screenings from beginning till end. All in all, the<br />

<strong>Polar</strong>CINEMA might have drawn the most varied and<br />

integrated public besides the plenary sessions.<br />

References<br />

Kaiser, B., (ed), 2010. <strong>Polar</strong> Science and Global Climate<br />

- An <strong>International</strong> Resource for Education and<br />

Outreach. Pearson, London, 237 pp.

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