Science is an Adventure: Engaging students in Earth Science through extreme polar expeditions

IMAQA uses the appeal of extreme polar expeditions to spark students’ interest in Earth Science and make climate research accessible to young learners. By collecting scientific data in Arctic regions—including samples of snow, ice, peat, algal blooms, and supraglacial lake water—students discover how real-world research deepens our understanding of climate change and environmental processes. Combining adventure, field science, and storytelling, IMAQA develops workshops that make Earth Science tangible and relevant. Supported by INNOVIRIS, these activities have reached over 1,500 students aged 4–18 during 2024–2025, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and awareness of environmental challenges. This presentation will highlight the educational strategies and resources used to connect school-level Earth Science curricula with ongoing polar research. It will also present lessons learned and planned adaptations for 2025–2026, showing how immersive, research-driven activities can strengthen student engagement and support STEM pathways.