Beyond the Ice:
The Interconnected Arctic Mosaic
Exploring Arctic Systems and Communities
Transform your understanding of the polar regions from isolated ice caps to a dynamic, interconnected global heat engine and vibrant human landscape.
100% of our students report a major boost in their Arctic knowledge, turning early curiosity into real, practical confidence by the end of the course.
The course was designed in 2024 for the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) with National Science Foundation funding before ARCUS sunsetted in 2025.
What Participants are Saying
"Through this course, my understanding transitioned from a rigid perspective to a nuanced appreciation of a complex land/seascape. The course dismantled simplifications—showing how seasonal ice cycles create a unique environmental cadence with urgent global implications."
— NOAA Affiliate & Polar Observing Coordinator
"Module 3 really opened my eyes to oceanic and atmospheric circulation stemming from the poles... This was particularly fascinating to me; I think I have a much better understanding when listen to a weather report now."
- Interdisciplinary Artist & Educator
"This course drove home that we need to think outside the box about connections. In my 7th-grade science teaching, it has opened my eyes to doing less 'silo-ing' of topics and framing climate globally."
- Interdisciplinary Artist & Educator
The Global Heat Engine & Feedbacks
Data Nugget
The Greenland Ice Sheet & Global Sea Level The
Did you know? The Greenland Ice Sheet loses approximately ~270 gigatons of ice per year, directly contributing to global sea-level rise and changing the salinity and density of North Atlantic waters.
Why It Matters: Participants learn how fresh water influxes alter the global thermohaline ocean "conveyor belt," impacting mid-latitude weather patterns across North America and Europe.
Arctic Amplification & Rapid Change
Data Nugget
Rapid Polar Warming
Did you know? Svalbard has experienced a 7°C temperature increase since 1900, warming significantly faster than the global average.
Why It Matters: The course breaks down Arctic Amplification—showing how melting sea ice reduces Earth's albedo (reflectivity), converting ice from a solar reflector to an ocean heat absorber.
Bridging Indigenous Knowledges & Tech
Data Nugget:
Indigenous Observing & Real-Time Safety
Did you know? Indigenous social networks like SIKU enable real-time tracking of sea ice conditions, integrating ancestral ecological knowledge with modern satellite imagery and buoy data networks.
Why It Matters: Participants explore data sovereignty, community-based monitoring, and ethical research collaboration alongside satellite remote sensing.
How Alumni Apply "Beyond the Ice" in Their Work
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🍎 K–12 Educators: Shift away from isolated ecosystem units to teach holistic global climate systems and integrate Indigenous perspectives into science classrooms.
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🔬 Polar Scientists & Agency Staff: Co-design research protocols that respect Indigenous data sovereignty and improve communication between research vessels and local Arctic hunting/fishing communities.
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🎨 Communicators & Artists: Translate complex polar data into creative advocacy projects, community talks, and public performance art.
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🌍 Lifelong Learners: Gain actionable insights to navigate global climate news, evaluate geopolitical treaties, and adopt personal climate stewardship.
Course Structure and Modules
This self-paced course is structured into seven modules spanning five weeks, with weekly coursework deadlines. All coursework within a module must be completed before you can progress to the next.
Instructional methods will involve reading course resources, watching videos, virtual discussions, engaging with online interactive software, conducting simple research, drafting content diagrams, reflection, and various evaluation approaches.
The seven core modules are:
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Earth’s Polar Regions
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Frozen Ice (The Cryosphere)
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Movement and Circulation
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Arctic Food Buffet
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Arctic Climate and How it is Changing
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Arctic People
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Observing the Arctic
Assignments and Grading
Success relies on rigorous and intentional engagement and active participation. This includes completing all assignments, engaging with readings and videos, contributing to discussions, and thoughtfully responding to peers' work.
The course grade is weighted across four main categories:
Required Evaluation Activities
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Assignments and Discussion - 35%
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Learning Reflections - 30%
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Quizzes - 15%
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Final Reflection- 20%
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Total - 100%
Key Assignment Types (Per Module):
Each module generally includes:
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Learning Activity Choice Board Assignment and Peer Discussion: Students complete one structured learning activity (e.g., essay, infographic, research project, presentation) from a menu of options. This work is shared on the discussion board, followed by reviewing and engaging with at least 3 other students' projects.
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Reflective Journalling: Requires sharing a few key takeaways, typically between 200 and 350 words.
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Quiz.
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The course culminates with the Final Reflection activity, which is a reflective essay or multimedia presentation summarizing key learnings, reflecting on perspective changes, and discussing how knowledge influences future actions.
Completion and Policy Notes:
• A grade of 80% or higher is required to earn a certificate from Wild Rose Education for 15 hours of continuing education hours.
• Assignments submitted after the due date will incur an automatic 10% deduction per day late.
• "On time" means submitted through the google classroom LMS by the indicated date and time.
Connection Opportunities
Although asynchronous, optional informal Zoom Meeting chats with peers and the instructor are scheduled throughout the course.
Wild Rose Education Instructor: Sarah R. Johnson, MAEd
Optional Graduate Credit: 1 SCED Graduate Credit Hour is available through Adams State University for $60/credit.