Every fall, Polar Bears International® conducts live, free broadcasts—webcasts and live chats—from the tundra during the fall gathering of polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba. Each week focuses on a different theme, tapping into the expertise of our guest panelists. Viewers are able to see wild polar bears, meet experts, and ask questions and receive answers in real time.
Every year, leading scientists and educators take part in our Tundra Connections webcasts. Join Polar Bears International staff and guests to learn more about polar bears and the Arctic—and come with questions!
Here’s how: Check out the schedule below to find the webcasts that interest you. Then register and watch on our Tundra Connections page at the appropriate time. We encourage live questions! Viewers can use the chat window on our Tundra Connections page or email us at questions@pbears.org. Teachers can visit our Education Center for associated unit and lesson plans and supporting tools and materials. In addition, see our recommended curriculum for each webcast, also listed below.
We hope to see you on the tundra!
WEEK 1: THE ARCTIC ECOSYSTEM
Wednesday, Oct 24th, 1 pm CT
At the Top of the World with Polar Bears, Gr 3+
Polar bears are spread across the Arctic, living in some of the coldest regions on earth. Find out what it’s like to live on sea ice, what adaptations are necessary to survive, and what a changing world means for great white bears.
Unit Plan: Top of the World
Video: How Cold Does It Get Where Polar Bears Live?
Thursday, Oct 25th, 11:30 am CT
Life in the Arctic, Top to Bottom, Gr 6+
The Arctic ecosystem is oh-so-cool. Find out about how things are connected from the top predator, the polar bear, all the way down to the life-supporting sea ice. Learn why keeping this region healthy matters to polar bears and people, too.
Unit Plan: Arctic Biodiversity
Video: Can Polar Bears Adapt to Living on Land?
WEEK 2: COOL TECHNOLOGY
Wednesday, Oct 31st, 12 pm CT
Polar Bear Spies, Gr 3+
How do researchers find out about the secret lives of polar bears? By using incredible technology to spy on them! Learn about some neat tools being used in the field to study moms and cubs, protect communities, and understand a polar bear’s point of view.
Unit Plan: Polar Bear Tracker
Unit Plan: Street View and Polar Bears
Video: Researching Moms and Cubs
Video: Polar Bear Collar Cam Highlights
WEEK 3: POLAR BEAR WEEK – ALL ABOUT POLAR BEARS
Wednesday, Nov 7th, 12 pm CT
Back to Polar Bear Basics, K to 3, with Discovery Education
Fur, teeth, claws, and fat: that’s what polar bears are made of. Join us to learn more about our favorite big white bear, its cubs, and the sea ice they call home.
Presentation: All About Polar Bears (K-4)
Poster Handout: Flat Nanuk
Video: Polar Bears By the Numbers
Video: Polar Bear Fur
Thursday, Nov 8th, 11:30 am CT
Back to Polar Bear Basics, Gr 4+, with Discovery Education
Fur, teeth, claws, and fat: that’s what polar bears are made of. Join us to learn more about our favorite big white bear, its offspring, its habits, and its place in the Arctic ecosystem it calls home.
Unit Plan: Livin’ Large Like a Polar Bear
Lesson: Mom and Me: A Polar Bear Survival Story
Presentation: All About Polar Bears (Grade 5+)
Video: Moms and Cubs
Video: Fur or Blubber: What Keeps Polar Bears Warm?
Video: How do Polar Bears Use Blubber?
WEEK 4: POLAR POWER
Tuesday, Nov 13th, 11:30 am CT
Polar Bear Protectors, Gr 8+
This year marked a decade since polar bears were added on the U.S. Endangered Species List. What does this mean for polar bears, and what can we do to truly protect their future and sea ice home?
Unit Plan: The Climate Connection
Lesson Plan: Polar Bears in a Warming World
Lesson Plan: Taking Action!
Video: Dr. Steven Amstrup, Polar Bears in 50 years
Community Action Toolkits: Thermostat Challenge
This post is also available in: Français (French)
