Period 1

1A. Bringing It All Back Home: Presenting the Antarctica Adventure to the Foxcroft Community
Instructors: Ms. Blue, Ms. Gamboa, Mr. Northrup
This class will download and gather the information and data sent from the Antarctica ship and edit and correct—and yes—massage the message into a PowerPoint document to provide presentations to the entire school community as the trip progresses.

1B. After the Split: Eons of History—Mountains of Ice
Instructor: Mr. McBride
Antarctica was formed when Pangaea split up about 200 million years ago. This class will examine the geologic history of the Antarctic continent, from Pangaea to the present, examine the land features under the ice, and the potential resources that might be available on the continent.

1C. Black/White-White/Black "Minimalist" Painting
Instructor: Mr. Allen
This course is based on the idea of northern light. In a part of the world where the winter is perpetually dark and the summer perpetually light, the concept of light is extreme. Using abstract formats, we will examine the idea of creating art that is expressive of these conditions while being essentially non-objective in its form. Just as the Inuit have many words for snow, there are infinite varieties of both white and black and this will be the underlying assumption that will guide this class. (Materials fee: $10.00)

1D. Antarctica Kingdom: Life at the Edge
Instructor: Mrs. Bergan
In this class, we will study the incredible ability of organisms to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. No place on earth is more hostile to life than Antarctica, where temperatures can plunge to a -127 degrees Fahrenheit, a place of danger and drama where animals are stranded on frozen waters, trapped between moving sheets of ice, and caught in the battle to survive. Through research and audio-visual materials, we will track tales of animal struggle and survival, and man’s endurance in a universe of ice.

1E. What Price Adventure?
Instructor: Ms. Herbert
This course examines the cost of adventure to our environment and the balance of the world’s ecosystem. How has the increased traffic on Everest affected its face? What damage have mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and hikers inflicted on America’s natural monuments? This class will also try to answer the question of whether we should consider limiting or even closing access to these damaged, fragile parts of the world which we will never be able to restore once they are disturbed by our unquenchable thirst for the next, new adventure.

1F. Polar Paradise: An Intercultural Study of the Poles as the Ultimate Destination
Instructor: Ms. Coleman
In this course, we will study the poles as they exemplify or symbolize a psychological or religious "goal" in literature across cultures. Inter-cultural attitudes and reverence towards the poles as both physical locations and as symbols of heaven or ultimate paradise are strikingly similar. We will explore some similarities between these beliefs which seem to transcend time and space and stretch across the world, literally from pole to pole. Texts will include excerpts from Dante’s Paradiso, Shelley’s Frankenstein, and several variations of the Santa Claus legend.

1G. How Do We Cope? The Psychology of Extreme Environments
Instructor: Dr. Allen
Human behavior is significantly influenced by the environment. People enjoy their lives and function well when their environments provide stimulation and variation. But when conditions become extreme, human ability to adapt to the environment can be challenged. Disturbed behavior, emotional distress, and even physical illness can arise from too much, or too little, of some factor in the environment. Some examples of environmental extremes are isolation, overcrowding, sensory deprivation, sleep deprivation, stress, trauma, climate extremes (especially temperature and sunlight), and the breakdown of social networks. We will use case study explorations to learn how humans cope, or don't cope, with these environmental challenges, and how we can anticipate and manage extreme conditions in our own lives. If time and conditions permit, we will conduct some "real-life" simulations of extreme conditions, and examine our responses to these situations.

1H. Through Nets—By Hooks and Hungry Bears
Instructor: Mr. Mohler
Extreme conditions test our will. Loss of will can spell disaster. A strong will can overcome almost any obstacle. If the tests are physical in nature, survival can be a struggle. Tests of another kind can test our will to love. If we lost our will to love, can mere survival be meaningful? In this course, we will explore answers to this question by investigating one of the most extreme life cycles known, that of the sockeye salmon. We will use two works of art inspired by the king of all fish, a compelling piece of literature (a chapter from James Michener’s Creatures of the Kingdom) and a beautiful song. Our course will culminate in a short multi-media presentation to the school which will include a musical performance.

1I. Advanced Placement Biology
Instructor: Ms. Davis
A continuation of the year-long course

1J. Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
Instructor: Mr. Suitor
Start of the second term AP class

return to top

Period 2

2A. Odin, Thor, and Other Northland Lore: A Journey through Scandinavian Mythology and Folklore
Instructor: Mr. Matthews
Have you heard Thor, the God of Thunder, lead his raging army of phantom dead warriors through the sky? Have you caught the outline of a mischievous troll lurking at the edge of the road? Or has Odin appeared to you, handsome and powerful, able to convince you to do anything with his charm and power of language, or to invite you to the golden halls of Valhalla where you might catch a glimpse of the beautiful Valkyries? This will be a class of stories. We will learn of the great heroes and heroines of the northland mythology and read and present their stories. We will discuss the strength and beauty of the myths and the effects of the extreme climate on the creation of the stories. We will learn to tell stories that make listeners shiver, quake, laugh, cry, be inspired, and possibly produce illustrations for the stories we learn to tell.

2B. Theatre Production: Our Town
Instructors: Ms. Yovanovich and Mrs. Thorndike
This class will provide rehearsal time for the spring production.

2C. Puffins, Caribou and Seals, Oh My!
Instructors: Ms. Coleman and Ms. Davis
Students will select several polar animals to research individually. Each student will then present information about the organism (food sources, habitat, life cycle, and threats for its survival) to the group for discussion. As a way of sharing the information that we gather, we will paint or draw to scale pictures of each animal which we will display with appropriate fact sheets around school. Come explore the frosty members of the animal kingdom.

2D. Northern Exposure: Native People of Alaska
Instructor: Mr. Northrup
Which native groups inhabit Alaska? How has the extreme environment shaped their culture? What effect has the arrival of the modern economy and culture had on traditional ways? After reading narratives of contemporary native life, student groups will select a native culture to study in depth. Students will demonstrate their new knowledge with a creative presentation of native art, dance, cooking, or other expression of culture.

2E. Daring to Die: The Anatomy of Extreme Adventure
Instructor: Ms. Herbert
What is it about our seemingly complete lives that makes us desire risk? Are we addicted to the adrenaline rush that danger provides? Has life become so mundane, so ordinary that we seek the possibility of death in order to be sure that we are living? This course will explore two things: the natures of those that seek adventure and the society that fosters the desire. Do adventurers share commonalities in background, lifestyles, or character? Come confront the next extreme? Go with us to the dangerous heights to discover what makes our daredevil side lure us to the edge of the chasm.

2F. Humans in the Deep Freeze: Antarctica Vs. Man/Woman
Instructors: Ms. Jones and Ms. Nessel
Through the study of human anatomy and physiology, students will research and apply knowledge to better understand the harsh demands that a polar climate makes on the human body. Also, students may attempt to construct and implement a safe, simple yet informative scientific experiment to be tested by the Antarctica group or by a volunteer group on campus. What are the limits of human endurance in the cold? We will find out the why and the how.

2G. Beyond the Ultima Thule or A Cinematic Journey to the Ends of the Universe
Instructors: Mr. Bergan and Mr. Suitor
The experiences described in Endurance and other books like it make one wonder what attracts men and women to put themselves in situations that will force them far beyond their normal limits. What kind of people are these adventurers? What attracts them to such extreme challenges? What happens to people when they face seemingly insuperable obstacles? And why are we, in turn, fascinated by their exploits? This course will attempt to answer these questions by viewing and discussing such films as Into Thin Air, Mutiny on the Bounty, and The Perfect Storm.

2H. Diving Into Scuba: Going to Extremes/Breathing Underwater
Instructors: Dr. Farmer & Ms. Shotwell
Go to the extreme this winter with Foxcroft’s adventure in scuba. Prepare for future vacations and get off campus for hours of professional instruction. Members of this class will have opportunities to be certified in SCUBA and will participate in actual underwater experiences. All classroom and underwater requirements are met for certification during this two-week program. Challenge yourself to something new and exciting. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of underwater escapades.
(Fee: approx. $200.00 ) Prerequisite: Ability to comfortably swim the length of an Olympic size pool. Periods 2 and 3 everyday. Counts as two classes.

2I. Advanced Placement Chemistry
Instructor: Mr. McBride
A continuation of the year-long course

2J. Advanced Placement Spanish
Instructor: Ms. deButts
A continuation of the year-long course

return to top

Period 3

3A. Hey What's Cooking?…Cool Stuff
Instructor: Mrs. Bergan and Mrs. Mohler
In this class, we will research recipes, prepare and enjoy food such as seafood, soups, and stews from the cold regions of the globe. We will discuss the challenges of cooking in extreme temperatures, humidity, and altitude. We will also create our own recipe for Hoosh—it will not require great endurance to eat it! (Ingredients fee: $20.00)

3B. Extremely Tasty Or: Fonda Fondue and Other Fun Foods
Instructor: Ms. Arana
Did you know that you burn more calories in winter than in summer? People in colder climates than ours require more energy-rich food, particularly when engaging in intense winter sports. In this class, we will research and prepare cold-weather fare from all over the world. So bring your ladle and help serve up some of the best cold climate feasts in the East! (Ingredients Fee: $20.00)

3C. Extreme Tourism: The Human Virus?
Instructor: Ms. deChabert
In the motion picture The Matrix, one of the "agents" suggests to Morpheus that human beings are like viruses—they spread out as far as they can, consume everything in sight, and leave a path of destruction and barrenness in their wake. In this course, we will debate this claim by looking at what has come to be known as Extreme Tourism. Is Extreme Tourism simply the next frontier in the tourism industry, benignly providing adventurous human beings with opportunities to push themselves to ever-increasing limits? Or are there significant consequences, particularly for the environment, associated with Extreme Tourism? Does ET have the same effects on fragile ecosystems and societies as other forms of tourism, or are they qualitatively different? These questions, and others, will be explored in an effort to address a much larger question: are capitalism and environment compatible?

3D. Sub-Zero Survival: How to Handle Medical Emergencies in Extreme Conditions
Instructors: Mrs. Keller and Mrs. Yovanovich
Being in numbing cold can make routine medical problems life-threatening. We will explore how to survive and handle medical emergencies which could occur in extreme conditions (i.e. frostbite, heart attack, infection, disease, quarantine, malnutrition, etc.) Students will gain confidence in their ability to remedy and, in some cases, cure medical situations. Local med-tech volunteers and experts will be invited to speak to the class, and we will view some emergency instructional videos to build our knowledge of appropriate responses. Students will attempt practical applications of procedures.

3E. Melina and Anningan—Brother Moon and Sister Sun
Instructor: Mr. Allen
In the Inuit culture, the legend of Melina and Anningan tells of the creation of the moon and the sun. We will examine this story in its several forms and then look at other legends from cultures of the north. After doing this, each person will create visual interpretations of one or more of these stories showing images that interpret a character or an event from one or more of the legends. Linoleum printmaking is an important art form for the Inuit of Cape Dorset, and the final version of our images will be made into linoleum block prints. (Material fee: $10.00)

3F. When the Going Gets Tough: Transportation in Extreme Climates
Instructor: Mr. Lingen
How does the internal combustion engine respond to extreme hot and cold? What transportation works best in the arctic? What demands does the desert make on getting about? How are boats adapted to function in icy water? We will explore the methods of transportation that are adaptable to extreme environments. This course will include student-driven research, presentations, and selected film clips. A field trip to test drive a very innovative and adaptable vehicle is planned.

3G. Foxcroft’s Chilly Winds of Winter: The Digital Story
Instructor: Ms. Susnar
As the wind howls and the snow blows, we will create a digital video record of frosty Foxcroft. We will take lots of footage capturing the many moods of our winter landscape, and then we will edit, add music and titles, and produce a truly awe-inspiring overview of the depths of winter—Foxcroft style.

3H. Diving Into Scuba: Going to Extremes/Breathing Under Water
Instructor: Dr. Farmer/Ms. Shotwell
This course will be offered everyday during Periods 2 & 3. It counts as two courses. See Period 2, Listing 2H for description.

3I. French V/Advanced Placement
Instructor: Ms. Nessel
A continuation of the year-long course

3J. Advanced Placement Physics
Instructor: Mr. Mohler
A continuation of the year-long course

return to top

Period 4

4A. The Coming Ice Age
Instructor: Ms. Davis
As global warming causes polar climates to warm, the polar caps begin to melt at a faster rate than before, but this does not come without a greater consequence. The melting of the caps causes ocean currents to shift, and therefore weather patterns to shift, which has the potential to bring on an ice age. Once this occurs, there will be drastic changes to our environment, geography, and species diversity. We will explore all of these concepts in this course and decide what will be the fate of man if this great meltdown occurs.

4B. Richness and Scarcity
Instructor: Mr. McBride
Polar and subpolar waters are noted for their biological produc-tivity. What are the factors that make them so rich and such good feeding and breeding grounds for birds and marine mammals? This class will examine the factors that determine this, and also examine how this has changed in the last few decades.

4C. Culture Sculpture: The Myth, Lore, and History of Inuit Sculpture and Tribal Totems
Instructor: Mrs. Thorndike
In this course, we will study the myths, tribal lore and history behind Inuit tribal totem and animal spirit guides. Each student will choose a spirit guide of her own and sculpt it by using soapstone and ancient Inuit methods. We will also be looking at many examples of Inuit sculpture, both old and new. (Materials fee: $15.00)

4D. Sub-Zero Survival: How to Handle Medical Emergencies in Extreme Conditions
Instructors: Mrs. Keller and Mrs. Yovanovich
Being in numbing cold can make routine medical problems life-threatening. We will explore how to survive and handle medical emergencies which could occur in extreme conditions (i.e. frostbite, heart attack, infection, quarantine, malnutrition, etc.) Students will gain confidence in their ability to remedy and, in some cases, cure medical situations. Local med-tech volunteers and experts will be invited to speak to the class, and we will view some emergency instructional videos to build our knowledge of appropriate responses. Students will attempt practical applications of procedures.

4E. Enjoying Cold Weather Adventure
Instructor: Mr. Mackay
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 1,3,5,7
Students will examine and discuss the equipment and skills necessary to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and camping. We will go on a 3-5 mile hike, cook a meal outdoors, and camp out one night to explore the challenges and pleasures of the great out of doors in winter. (Materials fee: $5.00)

4F. Primitive Navigation
Instructor: Mr. Mackay
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 2,4,6,8
Students will learn to utilize ancient tools of navigation such as the compass, sextant, chronometer, and the night sky. We will practice some simple geometry and trigonometry as we learn how to chart our course. How does a captain know where s/he is going? You can become the captain and hold the knowledge of direction and possibly survival. Chart a course which will allow you to grasp the amazing accomplishments of navigators who circled the globe without computers and modern scientific equipment.
(Materials fee: $20.00)

4G. Beyond the Ultima Thule or A Cinematic Journey to the Ends of the Universe
Instructors: Mr. Bergan and Mr. Suitor
The experience described in Endurance and other books like it make one wonder what attracts men and women to put themselves in situations that will force them far beyond their normal limits. What kind of people are these adventurers? What attracts them to such extreme challenges? What happens to people when they face seemingly insuperable obstacles? And why are we, in turn, fascinated by their exploits? This course will attempt to answer these questions by viewing and discussing such films as Into Thin Air, Mutiny on the Bounty, and The Perfect Storm.

4H. Hot on the Trail or Sleuthing in the Woods
Instructors: Ms. Arana and Ms. deButts
This class will by offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 1,3,5,7
What do animals do all day? Most people are surprised at how active animals are, even in winter. They also leave seemingly hidden traces of their activities that can be detected by the trained wild animal watcher! In this course, we will learn to find and identify animal tracks such as paw prints, (tree) rubbings, and scratchings. We will also learn about their habitat by learning to identify the trees in their midst. With this knowledge, you will be able to hunt animals more effectively (should you need to for sustenance or photo opportunities) or avoid them (so they don’t use you for sustenance). Unlike the animals we'll learn about, class members will make a point of leaving no trace of our visits to the natural world.

4I. Lifesaving Skills in the Extreme: Saving Lives Through CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Instructor: Ms. Jones
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 2,4,6,8
Learning to help people who have stopped breathing (for a variety of reasons) is a truly life-giving skill. We will take the official Red Cross course to qualify each participant to gain certification for CPR. Whether in Antarctica or Aldie, CPR can mean the difference between life or death. Through this intense and hands-on program, each participant will learn how to give life and have the satisfaction of knowing that she may someday be able to add years to a life through performing CPR at a time of need.

4J. Advanced Placement Calculus BC
A continuation of the year-long course

4K. Advanced Placement English
A continuation of the year-long course

return to top

Period 5

5A. Air Times Extraordinaire: Stories of Bravery and Endurance in the Skies
Instructor: Mrs. Keller
In this course, we will examine the Undaunted Courage of a select few of amazing and trailblazing aviators: Orville and Wilbur Wright and their Kitty Hawk adventure, Amelia Earhart and her challenge to history, as well as the triumphant and tragic Charles Lindbergh, Wiley Post, "Pappy" Boyington, Richard Byrd, "Mudhole" Smith, Eileen Collins, and, of course, Sally Ride. Pilot your way to new heights with these brave and innovative legends of flight.

5B. Stress and Its Effects in the Extreme
Instructor: Ms. McKibbin
Theories of stress as it relates to survival and life change will be the focus of this course. We will explore the actions and reactions of stress on the mind and the body. We will also utilize the model of human development as described by Maslow to deepen our understanding of why we respond in the ways that we do to stress. The class will include a study of "learned helplessness" and how stress can be positively and negatively managed.

5C. Mother Nature Soothes the Weary Wanderer
Instructor: Mr. Bergan
When we think of such extreme environments as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Great Sahara Desert, Death Valley, K-2, K-9, the Andes, the unforgiving sea, and other daunting places, the intelligent human involuntarily shivers or sweats and furtively looks for a secure sanctuary. For this person knows that such places are a drain on body and spirit alike: visiting them exhausts, enervates, depresses. But fortunately, there is another gentler side of nature: the cool woods offer solace, the sunny beach beckons, the lush green meadow opens its arms. In this course, we will read and discuss poetry that offers the challenge of extremes and the solace of the alternatives. We will examine what attracts the deluded fanatic to venture into "Antarctica, the Arctic, and Beyond" and like William Blake before us, try to reconcile the Tyger of nature with the Lamb.

5D. Snowflake Poetry
Instructor: Ms. deChabert
Like snowflakes, no two people are exactly alike. We have different experiences, emotions, and respond differently to similar things. In turn, what we write reflects our experiences of the world. In this course, we will explore our individuality by listening to, reading, and writing poetry inspired by the extreme conditions of silence and isolation. Can we ever have pure silence? Can we be isolated even if surrounded by 100 people? In this course, we will learn to "listen" to silence and negotiate isolation through writing poetry.

5E. Enjoying Cold Weather Adventure
Instructor: Mr. Mackay
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 1,3,5,7. See Period 4, Listing 4E for description.

5F. Primitive Navigation
Instructor: Mr. Mackay
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 2,4,6,8. See Period 4, Listing 4F for description.

5G. Winter Wanderland: The Challenge of Cold Weather Sports
Instructor: Ms. Susnar
Winter presents many opportunities for fun and action. We will try our hand at some of the following sports: cross-country skiing, hockey, cold weather hiking, ice skating, curling, sledding, and others. Learn basic techniques and how to have a good time when the weather seems less than encouraging.

5H. Hot on the Trail or Sleuthing in the Woods
Instructors: Ms. Arana and Ms. deButts
This class will by offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 1,3,5,7. See Period 4, Listing 4H for description.

5I. Lifesaving Skills in the Extreme: Saving Lives Through CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Instructor: Ms. Jones
This course will be offered for four two-hour blocks. Periods 4 & 5, Days 2,4,6,8. See Period 4, Listing 4I for description.

5J. Advanced Placement Calculus AB
A continuation of the year-long course

return to top