News: AG at Science in the City

As part of Science Week, AG asked a couple of our swashbuckling adventurers to teach kids why science matters in the world of extremes.

At the Science in the City event this week, AG have been teaching school kids from across NSW how to take science out of the classroom and into the world of adventure.

Today voyagers James Castrission and Justin Jones spoke to 300 students about the effects that extreme temperatures can have on the body.

In preparation for their next adventure (sssh! it's a secret), James headed to Mt McKinley in North America in temperatures as low as -30 degrees. He suffered frost nip (the first stage of frost bite) and now knows what it feels like to experience some of the most extreme conditions on the planet.

Justin will go to the opposite end of the spectrum, heading into the Simpson Desert during summer to find out how the body copes with extreme heat. His previous experience in this environment saw him assist a friend through a serious bout of heat stroke.

It was a great example (once again) of how much preparation needs to go into an adventure for it to be a success. It's not just about climbing the mountain, it’s also about knowing your body can cope on the descent.

One of the kids in the crowd asked this question, and most of the audience were amazed at James’ answer. We often think that making it to the top of the mountain is the end of the journey, but in fact sometimes it's not even half way. Struggling safely back down, and confronting some of the world’s most extreme conditions, has seen many a climber lose their fingers, toes and in some cases, their lives.

Knowing how far you can push your body and the effect that different conditions have on you is an essential part of every adventure.

Stay tuned for info about James and Justin’s next adventure… the secret's brewing, and we'll keep you posted as the lid lifts!

And if you want to know more about Mt McKinley – check out this video from Rex Pemberton (two time winner of the AG Young Adventurer of the Year).