APECS China - Series of popular science activities in middle schools and kindergartens
During Antarctica Day2020, the vice president of APECS-China, Dr. Lei Geng went to the affiliated kindergarten of the University of Science and Technology of China and gave a presentation for a group of 30 kids in the age of 5 and 6 years. Dr. Geng started the presentation by introducing the institutions of China, and the Arctic and Antarctica with a world map, where the Arctic and Antarctic were colored in white. The kids quickly identified the two cold regions in the map and Dr. Geng told them the places are cold and full of snow.
Dr. Geng then showed them the Chinese icebreaker, and how it breaks sea ice and approaches to the coast of Antarctica. Along with the route of the icebreaker to the Antarctic coast, the kids saw pictures of icebergs, penguins as well as seals. Kids were excited to see such pictures and asked a lot of questions. Some of them started to do penguin walk in the room. When moved to the Arctic, Dr. Geng showed them the difference to Antarctica, as one is basically an ocean and the other one is a continent. Kids loved to see pictures and videos of polar bears playing (baby bear and mama bear), swimming and hunting, as well as beautiful Arctic fox which is pure white. They asked questions such like why it is so cold in Antarctica and the Arctic, what do penguins and polar bears eat, and how icebreaker breaks sea ice, etc.
The presentation ended with a demonstration of different levels of cold by showing water, ice, dry ice and liquid nitrogen. Kids got so excited when they saw liquid nitrogen flowing on the floor and turning to gas, and they got even more excited when they saw how liquid nitrogen was boiled when an apple was placed in it. One kid did ask how the animals in the polar regions would do if snow and ice melt. Dr. Geng then told them to start protecting earth by reducing the uses of car, heater, light and other forms of energy from coal and petroleum. It is for the future of all of us. This year, APECS China organized several popular science activities in many cities of China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Hefei. Except Dr Geng, Dr Minghu Ding has given three speeches in middle schools, Dr Haikun Wen has given more than 10 lectures in primary school. These activities has attract many attentions.
UKPN Antarctica Day Quiz
UKPN organized an exciting online Antarctica Day Quiz during Antarctica Day 2020 which has been celebrated since 2010 to commemorate the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on 1st December 1959.
Creativity Contest "Cold Regions - Cool Facts" by APECS Germany and the German Society of Polar Research (DGP)
APECS Germany and the German Society of Polar Research (DGP) organized a “Cold Regions-Cool Fact” Contest to December 1, Antarctica Day!
Link to the contest: https://apecsgermany.wixsite.com/apecsde/single-post/cold-regions-cool-facts-contest-deadline-extended-to-1-december-2020
Antarctica Day in Brazil
APECS Brazil celebrated Antarctica Day with two activities; 1) an Instagram live stream with the team of Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (Brazilian station in Antarctica). During the live video, the public could virtually visit the Brazilian research station and ask questions to the station team. And 2) we invited the public to post a photo or video on social media using #DiadaAntartica, and tagging the social networks of @apecs_brasil.
Raising the True South Flag
Join a community of hundreds of "Antarcticans" across the globe who are raising the True South Antarctica Flag to signal their commitment and care for the 7th continent. National Antarctic Programs, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals are participating in locations across Antarctica and the world. You can participate by flying the flag on your flag pole, your website, or your social media page. Join in the conversation by tagging @truesouthflag on your Facebook or Instagram posts
Website link: https://www.truesouthflag.com/
Studies developed by Antarctic Colombian Researchers
APECS Colombia betterAPECS Colombia organized a talk for the 2020 Antarctic Day. They invited teacher and high school students to know more about APECS and some research developed by Polar Colombian researchers. Language: Spanish.
