Inspiration and isolation in Antarctica

Isolating yourself from the rest of the world may not be high on most peoples' 'to do' list. But it was an experience year 5 students at the John Calvin School in Albany, Western Australia, enthusiastically sought in their efforts to re-create a day in the life of Australia's Antarctic expeditioners during the depths of winter.

Kitted out with beanies, scarves, gloves and warm jackets, the students locked themselves in their classroom, blacked out their windows to simulate the midwinter darkness of Antarctica, and spent a day undertaking station jobs in various roles, including chef, artist, scientist and mechanic.

Examining samples under the microscope. Photo: Rick Eikelboom

Mechanics conduct general maintenance. Photo: Rick Eikelboom

With plenty of hot milo and a midwinter lunch spread of soup, sandwiches, fish, fruit and other home-made delicacies, the students were well fortified to examine rocks and worms under the microscope, conduct maintenance on their all-terrain mountain bikes, calculate the area difference between Australia and Antarctica, and use their art and craft skills to make gifts for fellow 'expeditioners'.

John Calvin School's winter feast Photo: Rick Eikelboom

Davis midwinter dinner 2007 Photo: Graham Cook

The day was inspired by photos and emails from Davis Station Leader Graham Cook, who, along with other expeditioners in Antarctica, occasionally take time out from their busy schedules to communicate with students and teachers about living and working in Antarctica.

Aerial of Davis Photo: D. McVeigh

In between digging Hägglunds out of the snow, preparing for a 600 km traverse to the Larsemann Hills, and celebrating midwinter with his colleagues, Graham answered class questions about Antarctica, and sent them photos of activities and celebrations around the station. He also provided the class with maps and photos of Davis station, which informed scale models, in papier mâché, of the station, its buildings, and the Antarctic continent.

'It was a real pleasure working with the class because they were genuinely interested in Antarctica and what we do here,' Graham said.

'Their models were superb and they asked a few questions that I had to go and research – including whether there were worms in Antarctica.'

Model of Davis station. Photo: Rick Eikelboom

Model of the Antarctic continent Photo: Rick Eikelboom

Teacher, Rick Eikelboom, captured the appreciation of the class.

'This sort of communication adds to learning experiences that can't be taught,' he said.

'The pictures made the lessons alive and real and the photos of Davis station were a big help in the projects that they completed. The class has been enthralled by the beauty of the land and it will be a study that will not be forgotten.'

While their Antarctic studies may be over, the students will continue following the work of Graham and his colleagues through the This week at Davis.