Tara Polaris: observe plankton from the classroom to the Arctic

As part of the Tara Ocean Foundation's Tara Polaris 2026-2027 project, Aurélie Bony, development engineer at LBVpam, visited a fifth-grade class at Saint-Joseph School in Saint-Jean-Bonnefond on Tuesday, January 27.

The purpose of this visit was twofold:

Using water samples taken from the natural environment, learn how to observe the samples under a microscope and identify the organisms present. The students were able to observe diatoms, single-celled algae, bacteria, and even rotifers.

To draw the organisms they observed. These drawings will then be sent to the Tara Polaris mission, which will attempt to find the organisms depicted in the drawings from their own samples taken in the Central Arctic Ocean.

This is a wonderful project combining observation, creativity, and a connection to scientific research.