Larkin teacher heads to 'arctic's edge' to learn about global warming

First, Elgin High environmental science students took part in a PBS documentary.

Now, a biology teacher from across town has headed to the so-called "arctic's edge" to learn about global warming firsthand.

Chris Bobkowski, who teaches at Larkin High, departed for the 10-day trip in Churchhill, Manitoba, Canada on Sept. 5.

The trip is being paid for through a grant from HSBC in the Community Inc.

Along with Bobkowski, several teachers from around the country are on the trip, led by renowned climate change bio-geographer Peter Kershaw.

With first semester at Larkin in full swing, Bobkowski plans to keep in touch with his students with blog posts and live chats.

"Students want to go beyond textbook answers," Bobkowski said in an Elgin Area School District U-46 news release about the adventure. "This expedition is an incredible opportunity to experience the fieldwork and to connect my students with actual scientists doing real-world research in climate science. Through today's technology, now the world is our classroom at Larkin."

Dutch designer visits Judson: Judson's Lecture and Exhibition Series from its school of art, design and architecture begins at 4:30 p.m. today, Sept. 11, with a lecture from Dutch urban designer and adjunct faculty member Yael Breimer on her urban design work and mapping of the city of Amsterdam.

The lecture will be held in the college's Herrick Chapel.

Other lecturers for the fall include Chicago architect Robert Benson, and Omaha-based author, curator and contemporary art critic Daniel Siedell.

"Mulberry Child" author at ECC: Jian Ping, the author of "Mulberry Child," a first-person recollection of China's Cultural Revolution, will speak at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at ECC's Advanced Technology Center Auditorium.

The talk is open to the public. For information, call (847) 214-7864.