For two years we have focused on specific aspects of polar research through IPY Polar Science Days. As the IPY research program moves toward analysis and results and as IPY participants plan for a large international conference in Oslo in June 2010, the IPY International Programme Office plans two Polar Weeks, in October 2009 and March 2010, with the theme: 'What Happens at the Poles Affects Us All'. In October (October 5th through 9th) the IPY Polar Week will focus on recruiting new individual and institutional partners, will stimulate increased engagement by polar partners, and will highlight classroom activities developed for the new IPY Polar Resource Book. In March 2010 the Polar Week will focus on local community-building activities, will connect new and existing partners in science outreach, and will stimulate global enthusiasm for June on-line and on-site events. Both polar weeks will feature fresh accessible science, multi-lingual educational flyers, live web events, fun classroom activities, virtual balloon launches and spontaneous global inter-connections - activities that have made IPY Polar Days effective and enjoyable.


Follow the links below to find out more about the Polar Days:

2010

March Polar Week: What Happens at the Poles Affects Us All

2009

October Polar Week: What Happens at the Poles Affects Us All

Polar Weeks provides a short outline of activities planned for October 2009 and March 2010.

March 17th and throughout that week: Polar Oceans and Marine Life
marine biodiversity, physical oceanography and more!

IPY Activities throughout February 2009
throughout February 2009, IPY researchers are sharing their experiences and making themselves available for interview. On February 25th, the 'State of Polar research' report will be released by the IPY Joint Committee.

2008

December 4th, 2008: Above the Poles
astronomy, meteorology, atmospheric sciences, observation from Space

September 24th 2008: People
social sciences and community engagement

June 18th 2008: Land and Life
permafrost, terrestrial biodiversity, hydrology, snow

March 12th 2008: Changing Earth, Past & Present
ice, climate, oceans, paleoclimate, Earth history

2007

December 13th 2007: Ice Sheets
ice sheets, traverses, expeditions, adventure

September 21st 2007: Sea Ice
sea Ice, marine life, changing climate

March 1st, 2007: Global Launch of IPY
nations around the world celebrated the launch of IPY, as did communities, follow this link to see the first IPY activity flyers and balloon launch!


More About International Polar Days:

The International Polar Year 2007-8 is a large international and interdisciplinary coordinated research effort focused on the polar regions. An estimated 50,000 participants from more 60 countries are involved in research as diverse as anthropology and astronomy, health and history, and genomics and glaciology. This fourth IPY was launched in March 2007, and will continue through 2009. During this time, a regular sequence of International Polar events will raise awareness and provide information about particular and timely aspects of the polar regions. The Polar Weeks will include press releases, contacts to experts in several languages, activities for teachers, on-line community participation, web-conferencing events, and links to researchers in the Arctic and Antarctic. For more details, or to get involved, please email the IPY Education and Outreach Coordinator, Karen Edwards ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).