Reading Resources

Welcome to the 2017 Arctic Expedition Reading Guide. Below you will find three different sections that will help you familiarize yourself with the incredible region we are about to visit. Happy reading!

Arctic Expedition Education Modules

If you would like to follow guided readings and exercises to get ready for your expedition, we have prepared education modules that touch on Arctic flora and fauna, peoples, literature, explorers, politics, and science.

Arctic Unit Modules 1-3

Arctic Unit Modules 4-7

Section I: Wilderness – Plants, Animals, and Habitats

This section will introduce you to the plants, animals, habitats and relationships of the Arctic

Chapter I: Plants

Taiga & Boreal Forest

Tundra & Permafrost

Chapter II: Animals

Diagram of Arctic marine food web

Snowy owl research in Nunavut

Caribou & Reindeer

Walrus & Arctic Seals

Chapter III: Habitats and Relationships

Interactive Arctic Ocean Ecosystem

Shrinking Sea Ice and its Effect on Arctic Ecosystems

Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

ArcticWOLVES IPY Project

Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, Arctic Pollution: How Much is Too Much

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

Biodiversity in the Arctic

Fishing in the Arctic and Antarctic: Exploiting Living Resources

Section II: Peoples - Histories, Peoples, and Impacts

This section serves as an introduction to the human aspects of the Arctic, including Inuit culture, history, and the broader impacts the actions of humans from around the world are having on the Arctic.

Chapter I: Histories

Who are the Inuits?

A Timeline of the Indigenous Populations of Nunavut

Inuit and Europeans

Self-Government

The Search for the Lost Ships of the Franklin Expedition

Chapter II: Cultures

Inuit Regions of Canada

People in the Polar Regions

Life on the Land

Arctic Voice: the Inuit

Chapter III: Human Impacts

Human Impacts on the Biodiversity of the Arctic

Many Strong Voices (a group that links Arctic and small island developing states)

Arctic Climate Feedbacks: Global Implications

Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Union of Concerned Scientists

Section III: Connections - Science, Art, and Applications

This section focuses on the connections in the Arctic, from science and Inuit knowledge, to creative expression, issues and applications.

Chapter I: Interpretation

Why is it Cold at the Poles?

The GLOBE Program: Earth as a System

Overview: Global Climate Change

All About Ice: Arctic vs. Antarctic

Goddard Institute for Space Studies Report on Ice Melt & Sea Level Rise

Ice Sheets: Global Outlook for Ice & Snow

Interactive map exploring global sea level trends

Fundamentals of Surface Ocean Currents

Ocean Processes in the Arctic

Melting Sea Ice & Global Ocean Circulation

The Role of CFC’s in Ozone Destruction

The Arctic Atmosphere & Greenhouse Gases

Chapter II: Expression

The History of Inuit Art

Inuit Art: A Further Exploration

The Art of Storytelling

Drums and Dance

Online Exhibition of Inuit Prints from Cape Dorset

The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service

Chapter III: Issues and Applications

Getting Started in Oral Traditions Research

Earth’s Albedo and Global Warming

Politics, the Global Economy and the Arctic

The Inuit Impact on Canada

Meet our Educators

A global team of scientists, elders, artists, musicians, historians, and industry leaders who help to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Polar Regions through cross-disciplinary learning.

Alumni Stories

SOI Expeditions are just the first step in a life-long journey of discovery. Learn more about our global community of talented and diverse alumni.

Upcoming Expeditions

SOI expeditions are life-changing journeys to the Polar Regions to become educated, inspired and empowered young leaders. Learn more and apply!

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