British Antarctic Survey have a responsibility, as a government funded organisation, to inspire the next generation.

Our Cyber-School sessions are opportunities for schools, self-educators and other educational organisations to learn about the Polar Regions, their critical  importance, and what its like to live and work there. Hear from our scientists, operations and engineering specialists who explain why what they do is so important. These UK curriculum based sessions include interactive quizzes and give students the chance to ask questions live.

Our next Ice Cool Cyber-School event is on Tuesday 10 February 2026 at 2pm to 2.45pm (GMT). We’re partnering with WWF-UK who will be streaming live from British Antarctic Survey’s headquarters in Cambridge for an exciting lesson for schools with Steve Backshall.

The live lesson is part of their ‘Happy by Nature’ series and the second in the series. Happy By Nature is WWF-UKs schools programme, created especially for primary-aged children. The lesson is designed for Key Stage 2 / Second Level students, but open for learners of all stages. 

 The lesson will explore what it means to go on a polar expedition and show the transport and equipment needed to work in the extreme polar landscape. Our scientists working in our aquarium will be introducing Antarctic species that live in the icy waters and explain how they are helping us find out more about the polar regions. 

Steve Backshall will be joining to answer questions about his polar adventures. Join us on a joyful journey to the icy poles! 

The lesson will be recorded for anyone who cannot join live. 

Visit the WWF-UK website for more information and to register for the lesson. 

Please note: you’ll receive an online link to the lesson once you’ve registered. The registration form must be completed by a teacher or school staff member aged 18 or over.

Trailers for previous sessions:

The trailer for our first Ice Cool Cyber-School session:

 

Session one: Frozen in Time 20th October 2022	Session two: Life on the Ice 17th March 2023
Frozen in Time explored the science of solids, liquid and gas. Whilst taking a journey from Antarctica to the laboratories at BAS Cambridge, where Antarctic Ice Cores reveal past climates and more …	Life on the Ice explores what its like to live and work on a Polar Research Station, talking to engineers about the stunning new facilities that will help scientists to live and work in this inhospitable environment …
Broadcast live from the Ice core freezer, Clothing store and laboratories at BAS Cambridge. 6000 children watched this lesson live from across the UK	Broadcast from our Virtual Studio at BAS Cambridge, with live links to staff in Antarctica. 12,617 watch live from 359 schools & home educators across the UK

Watch the first three sessions again below … enjoy: