Welcome to the SOI International Polar Year
Arctic Expedition 2007! 

The Students on Ice - International Polar Year Arctic Youth Expedition 2007 is one of the most exciting and important contributions to the International Polar Year, and one of the most comprehensive youth expeditions ever undertaken!

The ship-based journey from Churchill, Manitoba, to Iqaluit, Nunavut, will involve 70 international youth (aged 14-18yrs), as well as a team of 30 scientists, polar experts, educators, artists and environmentalists. Student participants include 17 northern aboriginial youth, as well as youth from Russia, China, India, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

While on the expedition, participants will encounter wildlife, including whales, polar bears, musk-oxen, and seabirds; visit northern communities; learn about the effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem and the science and traditional knowledge perspectives; and participate in 'hands-on' educational and research activities.

Every day of the expedition will be different than the last, including shore landings, hikes, community visits, zodiac cruises, and ship-based exploration. The education program includes lectures, workshops, naturalist seminars, and small group discussions.

The main themes of our expedition include:

• A focus on International Polar Year priorities.
• The impacts of climate change on the Arctic region and its people.
• The role of the Arctic as a cornerstone of our planet's ecosystem.
• Inspiring future leaders and ambassadors for our planet.

This expedition is a unique opportunity for participating youth to expand their knowledge of the circumpolar world and to gain a new global perspective of our planet, its wonders, and its present and future challenges.