Responding to your questions...

1. (Jack) Are the black tips on the rabbits ears for any special purpose or is it just coloration?
To my knowledge the black tipped ears of the arctic hare are not serving any other purpose then mere coloration.

2. (Jackie) Are you helping with the analysis process or just the collecting and sorting process?
We are not helping with the analysis process; we are just collecting and sorting specimens.

3. (Kelsey) Is this a job worthy of Discovery Channels Dirty Jobs?
Well I wish I could say that it may be considered for Dirty Jobs, but it isn’t that caliber. Although we get dirty, it does not even come close to comparing to some of the jobs showcased on the show.

4. (Mrs. Gibson) How far off was the polar bear from your group? Did it respond to you, make sounds, look, what did it do?
The polar bear was about 200 yards above us on a rocky outcrop. The bear was concentrated on the food it was eating and not bothered by us or the helicopters that flew overhead. He just hung out and ate.







5. (Mike) Are any of the animals you saw endangered or a protected species?
Well some of the animals that we are seeing; the polar bear in particular is listed on the threatened list, however, according to locals the bear population is not declining at all. The locals have a completely different perspective on endangered and threatened animals of the arctic.

6. (Steph) Did you collect any blood samples from the animals?
No, although our work was supposed to be inclusive of animal evaluation, the area of the study in which we focused on the most was the vegetation of the arctic.

7. (Austin) Has this kind of laborious field research changed the way you look at research science? Does it change the way you view the class?
The research has showed me how hard the life of a field scientist can be. The trials and tribulations that these scientists have gone through to get data to help the world better understand climate change and global warming is rather amazing. The research has made me realize how important scientists are for our global community.
In addition, the Earthwatch Climate change study has taught me that pre-collegiate research is important. It is an important process that will help prepare students for science in the real world. I am happy to report that the work that students are doing at the high school level is an adequate means by which one can be introduced to research science and then continue to build upon these practices as their research and education becomes more in-depth.





8. (Isamar) What are your plans for your return? What are your plans for after you return?
I plan on speaking at four different venues to share the knowledge that I have gained about climate change and global warming to help members of our community better understand what exactly is going on. One of these speaking engagements will be at Morristown High School in October and will give students a chance to discuss the issues surrounding climate change and global warming and learn how they can make a difference on a local level.