GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2008 kicks-off 2-11

This is an awesome program that I have written about in the past. To read my previous entries on the subject, click here: Follow Arctic Explorers on a Dogsled Expedition
Below is an update sent to me from the program that I wanted to pass on!

Greetings from Education Basecamp!

It is that time of year again! The dog yard is buzzing with Polar Huskies training for the expedition trail and we are on the final stretch getting ready for the LIVE program ahead…

GoNorth! Fennoscandia 2008 kicks-off Monday, February 11th at 8:00AM CST!

We are thrilled to announce that the changeover at PolarHusky.com for the upcoming adventure learning expedition has launched. This means a couple of things-

You will now be able to find information about the upcoming program taking us all on a journey to Arctic Sweden, Finland and Norway. The change-over is a work in progress and the site will continue to be updated on a daily basis with new sections and updated content.

Make sure to set your browser to “automatically refresh” whenever you log on (and at the same time clear your history). This will ensure that you are not seeing “old pages.”

The changeover also means that if you are looking to access last year’s program GoNorth! Chukotka 2007, you will have to click on one of the ‘spots’ provided that link to this past adventure learning program – or go to the Past Programs page in the Adventure Learning section of Support and select it there.

As for the GoNorth! Curriculum and Activity Guide 2008, the wait is almost over. We are very hesitant to put an exact day out there simply because we do not want to disappoint – but we feel confident that we shall be able to deliver by the end of next week. We will alert you immediately as the modules become available.

This years Guide will again consist of four modules – which will all become available then. The environmental question we set out to explore is “deforestation and sustainable development” as we travel with the Sámi people in the Sápmi region of Fennoscandia. The modules are:

Module 1 – Arctic Explorations: Planning an Expedition Almost every corner of this plant has been explored… and mapped. The making of maps and other navigational skills have played a significant role in the study of exploration. Less recognized is the importance of the traditional knowledge form the Native Arctic peoples. These people have lived in and survived the harsh Arctic conditions for thousands of years.
Their knowledge, passed from generation to generation, is critical to each culture’s lifestyle, identity, and social structure. Today, like other explorers before, we continue to learn from their knowledge and experiences. Through field explorations and scientific study we will search for clues to discover the effects of modern day problems like climate change. Chat topic: Arctic Exploration.

Module 2 – People & Culture: Self-Determination One way to view history is as a struggle to extend basic, inalienable human rights to every person, regardless of ethnicity, color, or creed. This is certainly the story of the Sámi, who have overcome centuries of political disenfranchisement to emerge as a whole and vibrant culture. It’s also a true description of the African American struggle to achieve full civil rights in the United States. In this section, we will explore the concepts of human rights and the freedom of expression, not only as it related to the Sámi peoples and the American Civil Rights Movement, but as it applies to your students’ classroom and school halls. Chat topic: Globalization.

Module 3 – Natural Resources: Sustainable Development The world’s population is not only growing, but industrializing-and placing increasing strains on the planet’s natural resources. This growing demand for minerals, fuels, forest products, and even water and air, has changed the value that we give to land. In this module, we explore the notions of “place” and “value,” focusing not only on sustainable natural resource extraction, but also on the personal and cultural connections that we place on natural spaces. Chat topic: World Resources.

Module 4 – Flora & Fauna: Climate Change Fennoscandia, where Team GoNorth! is traveling, includes high mountainous regions, Arctic tundra, and vast tracts of boreal forests. The animals and plants of these ecosystems have adapted to the harsh northern climate. The Sámi people, too, have developed cultural adaptations, including a special relationship with reindeer, that help them thrive in the harsh conditions.
The climate and ecosystems of Fennoscandia are changing rapidly, however, and have an uncertain future. Exploring the dynamic of climate change and Arctic ecosystems, we investigate the consequences of these changes to the region of Fennoscandia, and to the daily lives of its inhabitants. Chat
topic: Climate Chaos.

As always, thank you for being part of the team and please do not hesitate to contact Education Basecamp with any questions you may have.

Think Snow!

-Education Basecamp

GoNorth! – Adventure Learning for the K-12 Classroom

University of Minnesota
130D Peik Hall
159 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

P: 612-625-8550
F: 612-624-8277
E: info@polarhusky.com

Explore the Arctic and experience adventure learning online!
Visit: http://www.polarhusky.com