Project SWARM
The Palmer Station Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program is focused on conducting a long term study on the warming West Antarctica Peninsula. For 30 years this project has been documenting how melting glaciers and reduced sea ice are altering the marine food web spanning from plankton to penguins.
The multi-University effort samples the ocean physics, chemistry, bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, sea birds, and whales. Oceanographers from Rutgers University and the University of Delaware used Palmer Station as a home base for Project SWARM, and investigation of marine food web interactions in the region. In addition to data collected in their research, the scientists worked with educators to develop lessons and data activities for middle and high school students featuring the influences of warming on the food web interactions between phytoplankton, krill and penguins.
Quick Links
Data Dispatches
Lesson 1: Modeling with Polar Data
- Printable Lesson Plan PDF
- Antarctica Introduction Slidedeck
- Flyover of Antarctica
- Modeling Group Slides – Instructor
- Modeling Group Slides – Student
- Student Modeling Worksheet
- Exploring Palmer LTER Student Worksheet
- Link to All Models
- Journey to Antarctica – Models exploration example from Princeton High School
