The Polar-ICE Project: Using Authentic Polar Data to Teach Data Literacy Skills Across a Variety of Grades and Levels

Abstract

At Princeton High School, located in Princeton, NJ, we have implemented the Sci I Polar-ICE project at three levels: Biology I In-Class Resource Program (ICRP), Biology I Accelerated, and the Science Research Program (see Hunter-Thomson article for more information on the Sci-I program). It was also used as the basis for a summer science experience for middle school students, focused on building scientific reasoning skills in underrepresented populations. This project allowed students to collaborate with polar scientists, analyzing real-time data (from https://pal.lternet.edu/data) as it was generated in Palmer Station, Antarctica This project was in collaboration with Rutgers University, through a grant funded by the National Science Foundation, and data was collected on students’ perceptions of scientists and the scientific process. The unique nature of having real-time, authentic data available to our students and the flexibility to use it, as deemed appropriate, made this project accessible across a variety of grades and class levels.