It’s hard for children in Bermuda to imagine life in the Arctic.

It’s over 3,000 miles away, and a lot colder.

Northlands Primary principal Charles Joyiens had to do a lot of explaining when he told students they’d Skype with someone there.

“They kept confusing it with the Antarctic,” he said. “We had to have a little geography lesson. Then they were excited.”

XL Catlin arranged the call as part of Arctic Live, the educational programme it sponsors each year. Students around the world talked with research scientists in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from March 7-16.

The idea was that glacier expert Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop would show pupils at Northlands what life was like in one of the world’s northernmost settlements, however the video feed refused to work.

“Luckily I sent the children’s questions on ahead of time,” Mr Joyiens said.

The Arctic Live founder typed back answers.

Students learnt he makes about six discoveries in the Norwegian town annually, despite only being there a few weeks out of the year. They were most impressed that he’d found a new ice cave on this expedition.

“We measure the depths of the ice using satellite technology,” he told them.

The temperature reached about 3F on March 16, the day of their chat with the British scientist. In August, it can get up to 41F, although there are days when it is cold enough to snow.

Although compromised because of the failed video, the activity still proved educational.

Ishaan Rangda, 9, said he’d learnt that seawater freezes at 1.8F.

“The water temperature is warmer than the air temperature,” he said.

Another child learnt that there are more than 21,000 plants and animals in the Arctic.

The population in Ny-Ålesund ranges between 30 and 120 people.

Sophia Card, 10, said if she ever went to the Arctic she’d like to see “toxins embedded in the ice”.

“I’d like to see how they survive on a daily basis,” she said. “How do they get around?”

Mr Joyiens used the hookup as a jumping point for a discussion on global warming.

“What can you all do when you’re older to have an impact on global warming?” he asked.

One girl suggested picking up litter.

“No,” Mr Joyiens said. “That’s a different problem.”

“We could use different types of fuels,” said one boy. Class ended and Mr Joyiens sent the children away with a task.

“Tell me what the Northern Lights are,” he said. “Some of you may know the answer but don’t spoil it for the others. Tell me in the morning when you see me.”

Mr Joyiens later told The Royal Gazette: “It’s clear from their responses that they all learnt something.

“Almost every child could talk about some new fact. It was a good experience. I hope to sign the school up for it next year.”

Students at Berkeley Institute and Purvis Primary participated on separate days.