CHILDREN from a Kidderminster school were given a unique insight into life in the Arctic when they enjoyed a Skype session with scientists.

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School made contact with the International Arctic Research Centre in Fairbanks, Alaska, to ask questions of the experts.

The hour-long Skype session is part of their studies in which they have been learning all about the Arctic.

During their topic they have discovered why polar bears are becoming endangered and why the ice-caps are melting. Amongst other things they also learnt about the climate change, weather, seasons, communities and the phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis.

Owing to the time difference, it was necessary for the children to return to school on a Monday evening, joined by their parents to enjoy an informative and unique discussion.

The experts who spoke to the children included Dr Georgina Gibson, who studies marine ecosystems, Dr Vladmir Alexeev whose focus is climatology, Dr Elena Sparrow who specialises in soil microbiology and Dr Syun-ichi Akasofu, who is an expert on aurora studies and the Aurora Borealis.

Among the questions the children ranged from why there are no penguins on the Arctic to the effect of climate change on the rest of the world.

Teacher Polly Montague, who arranged the session with the Centre, said: “I first made contact back in January but we couldn't carry out the Skype then as their scientists were not on site owing to the winter months and the Arctic being in 24hr darkness.

“It gave us an opportunity to learn more about Fairbanks in Alaska prior to Skyping.

“Lots of the children were surprised to learn that despite the arctic temperatures, life is pretty much the same as here. The scenery is stunning, and wildlife is so diverse.

“All of the parents who attended thoroughly enjoyed the session and commented to me afterwards how much they got from it.”

Head teacher Ian Clubley, added: "The opportunity to have a live video link with scientists in Alaska proved to be a fantastic experience for our children helping to bring their learning alive and give an even  greater purpose to their studies.

"I was delighted with the quality of our children’s questions about climate change and the arctic environment as were the scientists who generously gave their time for our pupils.

"This was a unique experience for our children who will remember for some considerable time the day they interviewed the International Arctic Research Centre."