Second graders at Shaker Road Elementary recently took a chilly adventure—without leaving their warm and cozy classroom! As part of their unit on the polar regions, students welcomed special guest Matt Barnes, who shared firsthand experiences from his trip to Antarctica.

Mr. Barnes captivated students with stories about Antarctica’s icy climate, the work scientists do there, and the incredible wildlife that thrives despite the extreme conditions. He even brought in his heavy-duty cold-weather gear, giving students a hands-on look at what it takes to brave the elements in one of the coldest places on Earth.

“The students were absolutely fascinated,” said second-grade teacher Sheri Harriman. “Having someone who has actually been to Antarctica share their experiences made the lesson so much more real for them. They couldn’t stop asking questions!”

From learning about penguins and glaciers to understanding the challenges of living and working in such a harsh environment, students walked away with a deeper appreciation for this frozen frontier.

Way to go, second graders, for embracing the spirit of exploration!