Lead institution:
Federal University of ABC – Brazil
The role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in maintaining the climate and living conditions on the planet has yet to be discovered by the non-specialized public. The polar regions strongly influence oceanic and atmospheric interactions and climate change.
Expanding the media universe on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean makes it possible to awaken perception and awareness of their importance and contributes to forming an Antarctic mentality and oceanic culture.
This project implements a transmedia system linked to a virtual science museum to engage different audiences, expanding their scientific literacy.
A virtual museum will be developed with 3D modelling, virtual objects of different natures (such as virtual objects, applications, simulations) and digital transmedia (such as podcasts, social media, books, distance learning courses, and children’s university) for scientific dissemination to different audiences. A selection of published materials and resources is available below.
Start Date: 02/01/2023
End Date: 30/01/2026
Lead Contact: Silvia Dotta (silvia.dotta@ufabc.edu.br)
Click on each book cover for more information.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
Books
Online courses
Antarctica in Education Course
A distance learning course with 60 class hours aimed at teachers and educators. It covers topics such as Antarctic history, wildlife, ice, and climate. Conducted via Moodle, it includes mandatory inaugural classes, classroom-applicable projects, and forum interactions. Participants who complete the course with evaluated projects will receive certification from UFABC.
3D Polar Museum
3D Polar Museum
The Polar 3D Museum is a digital and interactive space created to offer innovative resources for disseminating knowledge about the polar regions, offering detailed descriptions and scientific information about each species.
We also provide 3D printing models of organisms from an Antarctic food web with the aim of providing materials so that professionals in the field of education can prepare a dialogic and interactive class. These models help to visualize and better understand polar animals and plants, and encourage the use of emerging technologies such as 3D printing in the school environment.
Games
The game “Climate Change Dominoes: Adapt or Extinct?” encourages players to link animals from the Antarctic or the Arctic to the adaptive and evolutionary aspects that allow these polar animals to survive in environments hostile to most species. The rules are similar to a traditional domino game; however, players are encouraged to delve deeper into the reflection on the consequences of climate change on the adaptation capacity of these organisms.
In the online game “Humpback Whale”, players help ensure that a humpback whale doesn’t eat plastic.
In the online game “Penguin species”, players must identify the different types of Antarctic penguins.
Climate Phenomena Bingo: A bingo game featuring climate phenomenon definitions instead of numbers, aimed at teaching about climate change and its polar impacts.
Digital Games: A collection of educational games combining learning and polar exploration, including RPGs and accessible games for visually and hearing-impaired individuals.
3D Simulation
The 3D simulation “Antarctica: Witness of Time” shows the geological timeline of the Antarctica, highlighting human-induced changes, including the impacts of climate change.
Videos
Video series: “Accessible Antarctica”
A series of videos in Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) covering topics like ice, fauna, and global warming. Watch the videos here.
Video series: “Antarctics: Science on the Frozen Continent”
A series of scientific videos about research projects underway at PROANTAR. The videos present the research, highlighting the methodology, from research preparation, sample collection and analysis of results. Ten projects were selected to show how science advances in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet, exploring everything from climate conditions to technological innovations that make these expeditions possible. A fascinating immersion in the search for knowledge on the frozen continent! Watch the videos on YoutTube here.
Video series: “Antarctic Minute”
Short animations providing information on topics such as climate, biodiversity, and glacier melting. The content is concise and focused on scientific dissemination. Watch the series on YouTube here.
Video series: “101 Questions About Polar Regions”
A TikTok series answering questions about biodiversity, climate phenomena, tourism, and environmental changes in the Arctic and Antarctica. Watch the videos here.
Podcasts
PolarCast Podcast
Podcast series on scientific topics, interviews with experts, and discussions on Antarctic navigation and other polar subjects.
Polar Tales Podcast Educational
Podcast episodes on the Arctic and Antarctica, discussing animal habits, climate change, and polar curiosities.
Virtual Gallery
Virtual Gallery
A gallery showcasing exclusive images of Antarctica, the Arctic, and Patagonia, highlighting polar fauna, landscapes, and unique aspects of the regions.