I’ve been listening to teachers, and reading their words. They’re overtired, overworked, underpaid, and, when it comes to science teachers, extra worried: they’re concerned about the hard line that has been drawn by many people against science. 

 

I started #AntarcticLog on this exact note.  While PQ-ing (physically qualifying) for my trip to Antarctica, a conversation with a phlebotomist gave me my first visual story. 

 

 

I knew I’d be working with scientists who were on the cutting edge of climate research — both in Antarctica and back home — and I realized right then and there how important it would be to portray their observations and concerns to “regular people” — and children. 

 

 

Coming up with the right image or metaphor — a canary in the coal mine, a backyard observation, a first-hand experience — became a necessity in my work. 

 

 

And I wasn’t the only one trying to cross the line and meet nonscientists halfway.  There are many of us working on this — communicators, teachers, journalists — and doing what we can to help.  

 

This week’s #AntarcticLog comic zeroes in on the work of the National Council of Science Education, and even features a link to the place to go on their site to find assistance teaching climate change.