In 2006, a unique scenario transported eighth-grade Earth science students from the classroom into the cold, dry, pristine surroundings of Antarctica. The mission was to expose the students to hands-on science using satellite telephones, Contact 3.0 software, and some very creative improvisation. In addition, a detailed, well-illustrated blog allowed students to follow along interactively with a research team from the local university conducting research in the western Dry Valleys of the Transantarctic Mountains. Two explicit goals of the project were to (1) promote inquiry-based learning in the classroom and (2) enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom. (Contains 1 figure and 2 online resources.)