Amid the urgent challenges of climate change, educators must provide effective information tied to recognizable features of our planet. By combining compelling images of melting ice and snow and of key species in polar ecosystems with authentic voices of polar researchers and Arctic residents, polar topics offer an accessible framework for conveying fundamental principles about complex changes. Building on activities from the International Polar Year 2007-2008, this session will introduce research and practical examples on using polar topics to implement environmental and climate issues into science, technology, engineering and math education in schools and science centres. These examples offer ideas and directions for reshaping science communication, building stronger networks for dialogue between science and society, making global challenges more clear and accessible, and improving our ability to share knowledge about our changing planet.