Why do you want to go to Antarctica?

[psr]

Maria,
That was quick!! I should've stuck around for the answer!!

If you need an expert on Antarctica ask Paul Ward (the guy who runs this place - I think!).

If you need to know anything about Antarctica then you have come to the best site on the net!! I used a lot of it for my class' research when I was teaching Antarctica. In fact, it was the kids who pointed me in the right direction. They were so fascinated by what they saw on this site that they told me about it! I'm still exploring the site myself and believe me when you read the stuff and visit the links you'll be amazed by what you see.

As far as teaching is concerned, I'm not sure what the rules in England are (I suspect that's where you are) but you may be able to enrol in a teaching degree somewhere. Ask Paul....he knows! That sounds so ominous....

Good luck
psr

[Maria.]

Haha, thanks mate ! I will drop Paul a PM with the link to this thread. So I take it you teach Antarctica then (or used to ?) ? Care to tell me how you got into it, what age group you taught etc ?

I'm intreagued ! I must do some research on this with my local college.

[psr]

I think this would be easier if the site manager/s set up a live chat room!!

Aren't you supposed to be at work or at lunch or something?? What time is it anyway?? I'm just about to get to bed.

I taught Antarctica without this site for one term and with this site for one term. I have a year 5 (10-11years) class and in Australia we have to teach a unit on Antarctica for HSIE (social studies). I did a much better job the second time round and I haven't even reached the tip of the iceberg - so to speak

So, I am a "would-be" Antarctica teacher which I guess is a tad better than a "has-been" which I suppose will be if I don't teach year 5 next year!! Either way, I'm gone!!

You sound so enthusiastic! If more teachers were like you we would all be working for a pittance - OH! We already DO work for a pittance!!

Regards
psr

[Maria.]

Lol, sounds great ! I've taught children around those ages so I have alot of experience with children (as I have nieces and nephews, too !). Wow, what a asubject to teach, I'd get carried away with them if I was teaching that subject, I'd be the most motivated teacher in the world, lol ! Ok maybe not.

Work is generly quiet, we are currently transitioning a contract and are waiting for our Go Live date in October, so we are just helping out with London Contracts at the moment, which is quiet also, hence the time to post on the net. it's currently 13.46 here - I'm in untill 17.15, I wish I was able to go to bed right now ! Happy sleeping.

[Paul Ward]

Hi Maria,

Not sure what advice you're asking for? If it's Antarctic info, then there's a number of books available, follow the link on the top navbar to the books page. As for:

"ALL the material I'd need to read to learn practically everything about Antarctica"

...depends on how many life-times you hav available! I know people who have spent their whole working lives researching some aspect of Antractica, but wouldn't claim to know any where near all there is to know.

Becoming a teacher? Well, that will be about teaching rather than Antarctica - which would be a small part of the job however enthusiastic you are. There are a number of ways of doing this these days, I suggest you start here:

http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit.aspx

Any specific questions please ask away.

Paul

[Maria.]

Hey Paul,

Thanks for the info ! I think I'm a bit too eager wanting to learn as much as I possibly can as it's of great interest to me to be involved in some or another, in the future !

I do research in my spare time about Antarctica, on the net, although most of it it research on Wildlife at the moment, due to the Documentaries I'm watching on DVD / TV. I guess my starting point really is when I start studying with the Open University in May next year, which I can do whilst I work rather than studyin gin college as I need a job that brings in money inbetween ! It's all very exciting, if you asked me 5 years ago if the White Continent was of any interest to me, I'd have told you to go and whistle ! Hehe.

Maria.

[psr]

Maria,
I told you Paul would get it right for you!!

And yes, I did get carried away...and so did the kids. It was honestly the best unit of work I have ever taught, and I have never seen my class so motivated.

Antarctica is a complete unit. You can learn about evolution and wildlife and science and history and language and computers and the environment and photography, and the list goes on - all at once! Everything you need is there. You can teach about everything when you teach Antarctica!!

To me, teaching about Antarctica was like a balanced meal...all the food groups were proportionally represented!!

psr

[Maria.]

'To me, teaching about Antarctica was like a balanced meal...all the food groups were proportionally represented!!' - very nicely put, psr. Glad you enjoyed it, sounds phenominal to teach that subject !

I've ordered some books form Amazon this morning, there are quite a few I want but I can't get them all at once else I will burn a hole in my pocket, darn ! I've also emailed the Open University this morning as I want to get into Oceanology, so they've given me a few pointers where to start.

Who said dreams were just that, eh ?

[psr]

Maria,
Take my advice and follow your dreams while you're still young...you kind of lose steam after a while and the innocence of youth is no longer present to make it more beautiful and more memorable..........Good luck and I congratulate you on your perseverance

psr

[Maria.]

Thank you ! I will remember you when I'm rich and famous and I'll build you an Igloo

No, not really, I'd hate to be any of the above.