31 October, 2000

Scientific Research from Antarctica to You.

Do you know these six basic steps of science research:

1) Think of an ________ or Ask a ____________

2) Research your __________ and Make a ______________

3) __________ your Experinment

4) Do the _________________

5) Collect and _____________ Data

6) Conclusions and further ________________

I am going to be busy in a few days with the fourth and fifth steps of this process. To do that I have been busy with my part in step three and that is where I want you to join me as I complete that step. From Omaha to Denver, Denver to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Christchurch, New Zealand, and Christchurch to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, that has been the plan. I am in Christchurch now.

Today's task was trying on my ECW (Extreme Cold Weather clothing) at the CDC (Clothing Distribution Center). I spent almost two hours trying on socks, long underwear, gloves, mittens, caps, neck warmers, wind pants, trousers, jackets, boots, and a parka to make sure everything fit so it wasn't too big and it wasn't too small. After all, I will need to walk, climb, lift, carry, drive snow machines, dig in the snow and ice, sit, jump, and maybe even play in all these clothes. You get many pairs of mittens, gloves, socks, long underwear, caps, face and neck warmers, and trousers, because they will get wet from ice and snow or sweating. It is good to stay dry underneath to keep from getting cold from your inside out.

Now that I know it all fits, my own bags are also prepared to be taken to Antarctica. I am to arrive tomorrow at 6:15 am to get dressed and weighed, receive instructions and final information, then board an aircraft bound for Antarctica.

FYI

Only about _____________ people in the world have ever set foot on Antarctica at least once.

The waters of the Pacific Ocean and Christchurch, New Zealand's coastline

At the CDC, with a look at a lovely set of ECW clothing I am given for my stay in Antarctica