Summer offers educators a rare gift: time to follow curiosity wherever it leads. This summer, Science Teacher Bob Fest followed his all the way to the Arctic.

Bob used the remainder of his Loucks Distinguished Chair funding this summer to spend five weeks in the Norwegian and Finnish Arctic, exploring the effects of climate change firsthand.

"During my time there, I explored Finnish Lapland, the Lyngen Alps, and the Lofoten Islands," said Bob. "I hiked many miles, up big mountains, to retreating glaciers. I also interviewed local fishermen and Sami reindeer herders. Their accounts provided me with a direct understanding of the significant challenges they face due to climate change. It was enlightening to say the least. All that I learned will be used in my IB ESS course."