Moon Basics:
Objective: Students will be able to understand the phases of the moon and compare various cultures’ myths about the moon.
Duration: 45min blocks for five-day week.
Materials:
Google Earth, Teacher Domain, Tape record, paper, Google,
Cameras, Smart Board, Laptops, Telephone, Telescopes
Grade 7/8
Understanding Goals:
1. Understand observable characteristics of the Earth’s moon.
2. Understand the local and traditional stories that explain natural events.
3. Understand how local knowledge, culture, and the technologies of various activities influence the development of scientific knowledge.
Monday:
1. Discuss how people would have thought scientifically about the moon before telescopes were invented. (10min)
2. Facilitate the discussion towards the idea that people had to make personal observations. Assign students to investigate the moon in a way that people used to a long time ago. Give students the rest of the hour to Google the moon phases. (35min)
Tuesday:
1. Students will share their research and websites will the class. (10min)
2. Students will write down questions that they have about the moon. (10min)
3. Students will read the Roan and the moon. (20min)
4. Students will share their reactions. (5min)
Wednesday:
Students will listen to the CD of Roan and the moon. (15min)
Students will team into three groups. (5min)
Complete the worksheet of moon questions. (20min)
Thursday:
1- Read myths about the moon from other cultures; compare to what the students actually observe occurring with the moon. Students do a think –pair-share pm what behaviors or traits the moon has in real life compared to what behavior or trait it was given in each myth. Have students work in groups to create a chart showing the tools used in each myth and the predicted daily routines of that culture. (20min)
2 - Ask students to brainstorm the main characteristics of the moon myths. Generate a list of criteria for them to create their own Inupiaq Moon Myth. Have each students do a quick-write on things they already know and need to find out in order to have all of the criteria met. Propose an interview of our elders as a method of gaining more information of the Inupiaq technologies and activities. Have students outline an interview, decide who specifically they want to interview and share this with one other student for peer feedback before completing the actual interview. Hold a class-wide discussion where students can voice results of their interviews. Generate a list of tools used, activities performed, methods used from generation to generation to teach or pass on traditions, etc. Have students return to their quick-write and draw a line of learning under their previous writing. Have students record their knew knowledge of their culture that will help them in writing their Inupiaq Moon Myth. (15)
Friday:
Reflection and Feedback:
1. Lets students know we will be using the same groups from yesterday. Students have 15min in their groups to make notes that they will share in front of their class. Students must address three things: (1) explain Inupiaq Myth about the moon (2) explain how different cultures beliefs influence their myths about the moon (3) explain which culture had the best myths about the moon and why. (45min)
observations.
References:
FOSS PLANETARY SCIENCE IMAGES, DATA, AND READINGS
--Discover the moon –Reading
--Lunar Myth 2: Rona in the Moon
Develop at Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley
www.google.com/moon
http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast
http://britastro.org/baa
If you go to the "section finder" and click on any image (like the moon) it takes you to that homepage; there are then a lot of different sections to choose from (the one that breaks down every part of the moon is helpful). Students can use these links--this would be considered incorporating "western science" into the bush....
Spacelink.nasa.gov/index.html
www.wwu.edu/skywise/legends.html#contents
www.lpi.usra.edu/expmoon/prospector/prospector.html
es.rice.edu/ES/humsoc/Galileo/Things/moon.html
elvis.neep.wisc.edu/neep602/LEC1/trip.html
www.usgs.gov/
tycho.usno.navy.mil/srss.html
tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon
http://search.discoveryeducation.com
http://spikesworld.spike_jamie.com/science/astronomy/index.html
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.mphase/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.moon/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.moonorbit/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/wlvt07-scitech.earthmoon/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/wlvt07-scitech.moonmove/
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Blog Review 2
I really enjoyed her piece on the family outings and learning how they can their fish for the long winter months to enjoy them later. Having a family tradition every year helps bring everyone closer and teaches different ways of appreciating your food. The families will look back at the memories of them fishing, and in time, will have gathered many stories and pictures that reflect these rewarding moments.
I look daily at the family values among the Inupiaq people and listen to the tales about their fishing adventures with great interest. It builds a strong bond within families when the Elders in this culture share their experiences and knowledge to their youth; it is always nice to see families embrace in a way like the Inupiaq people.
Blog Review 1
My blog review 1 is on Module IX http://alaskameltingpot.blogspot.com how she use the Teacher Domain videos to help students to see different impact of the terrestrial ice and Alaska indigenous cultures all connected.
She describes how the Tlingit people migrated and settled in Southeast Alaska. Their stories are only told when the Elders allow them to be told. This brings back memories about how the Yupik Elders tell their stories through dancing; how they travelled through waterways and many obstacles to find food to feed their family.
She also uses the Wikipedia websites to access the materials so her classes can gain a better understanding of how glaciers have impacted the indigenous lifestyles in Alaska.
I have really enjoyed readings for this class. It helps me to relate the certain traditions and values of the Inupiaq culture to my students in the Northwest Arctic. This class has also given me many different websites to view and use for any subject in the school setting. Thank you alaskameltingpot for all your valuable information.
She also uses the Wikipedia websites to access the materials so her classes can gain a better understanding of how glaciers have impacted the indigenous lifestyles in Alaska.
I have really enjoyed readings for this class. It helps me to relate the certain traditions and values of the Inupiaq culture to my students in the Northwest Arctic. This class has also given me many different websites to view and use for any subject in the school setting. Thank you alaskameltingpot for all your valuable information.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Paper Nine!
How are climate, terrestrial ice and Alaskan indigenous cultures all connected?
As I look at one of our Northwest Arctic villages, Kivlina, I am able to see that it is experiencing terrestrial ice erosion annually. The village was formed on the coastline so it would be easier to access the water for hunting wild game and make travel much easier.
Over time the village has encountered a lot of flooding during the break-up seasons; erosion occurs throughout the village where a lot of homes are damaged and destroyed.
The village has learned to conserve the water that they are able to drink because the pump is getting destroyed by all of the erosion due to it having to be able to pump in more and more dirt through the filter system.
The native people are seeing thinner sea ice arriving later and leaving earlier every year on their coastal villages and many more vicious storms with larger waves have occurred to start washing away more of the land that is close to the village homes. (Even building on higher ground the homes are still not safe.)
The people in Kivlania have expressed how there is less permafrost to protect the riverbanks from eroding too quickly. It has become so serious that this village administration is actively looked to relocate to higher ground. The Alaska government has gotten involved in the last decade to see how they are going to save a small village and all the history that goes with it.
The climate change out here is that the permafrost is melting all over Alaska as a result of rising temperatures, causing land underneath several villages to subside and wash the ground away.
In Kivilina, subsistence hunting and fishing have been significantly threatened by present climate changes; as a result of these changes the number of whitefish is decreasing and wildlife has been driven to other locations due to the amount of permafrost decreasing.
The Arctic tundra is very important to the migration of birds and caribou. The animals migrate from many regions for a new source of food and warm climate for several months.
The Arctic tundra habitat cannot move northwest in response to the climate change, as can other ecosystems, due to the Arctic Ocean bordering this region.
The vegetation does not reproduce fast enough with all of the climate changes in order to feed all of the animals that are counting on that food for survival.
Native Alaskans are learning how to adapt to the inconsistent climate changes by using advanced technology for successful hunting. Using more of the science technology has helped the process of making the winter months a little better in traveling and hunting caribou to feed their families.
The Native people are very connected to their surroundings; they are no longer trying to predict the arctic weather because of the inconsistencies that are vastly occurring in today's climate.
Native Alaskans in Noorvik will harvest a lot of whitefish, but the Elders and smaller children cannot participate in the fishing because they don’t want them to fall through the ice. When the ice has finally formed the fish have already moved on to a warmer spot in the river or sea.
Empty fish camps due to all the eroding over the years on the Kobuk River.
The climate has made life much more negative rather than positive because people are trying to feed their families, and due to the thinning of the ice and drastic climate changes, hunting and fishing that Natives are used to participating in are no longer successful methods; they must find other ways to feed their families while still trying to preserve their culture and pass down the traditions that are unique to them.
Investigating the negative impact of the climate changes in the Northwest Arctic villages is a discouraging task; however, in doing so we are able to recognize that we are discussing the homes and lives of many people from distinct cultures and traditions. These are people whose future is already challenged by the modern world, and who now face additional pressure from a changing climate.
As I look at one of our Northwest Arctic villages, Kivlina, I am able to see that it is experiencing terrestrial ice erosion annually. The village was formed on the coastline so it would be easier to access the water for hunting wild game and make travel much easier.
The village has learned to conserve the water that they are able to drink because the pump is getting destroyed by all of the erosion due to it having to be able to pump in more and more dirt through the filter system.
The native people are seeing thinner sea ice arriving later and leaving earlier every year on their coastal villages and many more vicious storms with larger waves have occurred to start washing away more of the land that is close to the village homes. (Even building on higher ground the homes are still not safe.)
The people in Kivlania have expressed how there is less permafrost to protect the riverbanks from eroding too quickly. It has become so serious that this village administration is actively looked to relocate to higher ground. The Alaska government has gotten involved in the last decade to see how they are going to save a small village and all the history that goes with it.
The climate change out here is that the permafrost is melting all over Alaska as a result of rising temperatures, causing land underneath several villages to subside and wash the ground away.
In Kivilina, subsistence hunting and fishing have been significantly threatened by present climate changes; as a result of these changes the number of whitefish is decreasing and wildlife has been driven to other locations due to the amount of permafrost decreasing.
The Arctic tundra is very important to the migration of birds and caribou. The animals migrate from many regions for a new source of food and warm climate for several months.
The Arctic tundra habitat cannot move northwest in response to the climate change, as can other ecosystems, due to the Arctic Ocean bordering this region.
The vegetation does not reproduce fast enough with all of the climate changes in order to feed all of the animals that are counting on that food for survival.
Native Alaskans are learning how to adapt to the inconsistent climate changes by using advanced technology for successful hunting. Using more of the science technology has helped the process of making the winter months a little better in traveling and hunting caribou to feed their families.
The Native people are very connected to their surroundings; they are no longer trying to predict the arctic weather because of the inconsistencies that are vastly occurring in today's climate.
Native Alaskans in Noorvik will harvest a lot of whitefish, but the Elders and smaller children cannot participate in the fishing because they don’t want them to fall through the ice. When the ice has finally formed the fish have already moved on to a warmer spot in the river or sea.
Empty fish camps due to all the eroding over the years on the Kobuk River.
The climate has made life much more negative rather than positive because people are trying to feed their families, and due to the thinning of the ice and drastic climate changes, hunting and fishing that Natives are used to participating in are no longer successful methods; they must find other ways to feed their families while still trying to preserve their culture and pass down the traditions that are unique to them.
Investigating the negative impact of the climate changes in the Northwest Arctic villages is a discouraging task; however, in doing so we are able to recognize that we are discussing the homes and lives of many people from distinct cultures and traditions. These are people whose future is already challenged by the modern world, and who now face additional pressure from a changing climate.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Module VIII...and counting :)
Essential Question: How are Arctic sea-ice, climate and culture all connected?
The climate in the Northwest Arctic region is predominantly continental, with very extreme winters and warm summers, but maritime influences from the nearby Arctic Sea, Chukchi Sea and the Norton Sound.
In the upper Kobuk valleys dominate season, winter is roughly five months long. During most of this period, temperatures remain consistently near or below zero. Seasonal lows are between -20 to -60 and cold spells range from -25 to – 40 weather commonly last from about one to three weeks.
On the other extreme, the summer months in the valleys of the Kobuk village span across the months of June through August, where temperatures range from 50 to 80 degrees.
The climate changes that occur in our environment determine how much ice will gather in the winter and how much ice will melt in the summer, which then directly affects the amount of fishing and gathering of food that many Native Alaskans partake in as part of their culture.
One thing that remains is the ice conditions for the five long months. The Elders state that there used to be more snow and much colder weather that would last a long time. During the winter months in rural Alaska, the frozen ground becomes a gateway into the ice roads that lead the Natives to other villages. Thin ice is a constant threat to the traveler. Submerged springs, whirlpools, and strong currents can all keep ice from developing normally. A heavy snow cover can insulate the ice and further slows its growth or causes it to be eroded.
In summary the Arctic-sea has helped guide a lot of families to stay together and tough it out and others to split and find a warm place and better resources. It is a survival of the mind and the unexpected to come. It has changed hopes and dreams of even trying to explore all the waterways and really see how the Arctic has changed over time. In the last few decades of global warming issues, the Arctic –sea and people are struggling to survive together as a team.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Paper Seven
How is Earth's climate connected to its geological, biological and cultural systems?We are familiar with the Earth’s climate changes that have occurred over the last billion years. We use all of the scientific technology that we can to discover how the universe is constantly changing due to natural causes.
Left side-(Sand Dunes in the middle of the upper Northwest Arctic covered with snow)
Right side-(Terrain in the Northwest Arctic- between Noorvik and Ambler)---Climate changes.....
One of our important aspects in the geological field is the carbon cycle; which helps regulate the required amount of oxygen and carbon that we need in our environment in order for all living things to survive.
As we grow gardens, plants and other vegetation that helps us exchange carbon back into atmosphere during respiration.
We are also using fossil fuel for burning, coal, oil, natural gas, and gasoline, which are consumed by industrial, automobile and power plants. Our land is also used for agriculture, deforestation and reforestation.
When we look back to the last 10,000 years, we can see that the vegetation of our land has changed dramatically. Farms are suffering due to poor seasons that are caused by severe weather conditions. In other parts of the world, glaciers and icebergs are melting at an alarming rate.
Meteorologists are having a difficult time predicting the next earthquake, volcano eruption, or hurricane because the climate is so unpredictable now.
Our society has also observed environmental changes in our local neighborhoods by inferring those changes through stories told by older generations, and by looking at historical geographical data from the past.
We know that we cannot keep up with the drastically changing climate; however, we are trying our best by enhancing technology, and using our prior knowledge to prepare for those changes.
In conclusion, if we want to reach the goal of being able to determine our climate changes as they occur, then we need to become an extensive partner to the experiential analysis and modeling of present day biological systems.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Essential Question: VI
How are the Earth, atmosphere and cultures all connected?
In my reading from the TD, goggle earth resources, and experiences with Inupiat people I see how we are connected to the Earth in many ways. One of the ways that we have damaged our atmosphere is by the toxins and gases that we release into the Earth atmosphere daily.
In my reading from the TD, goggle earth resources, and experiences with Inupiat people I see how we are connected to the Earth in many ways. One of the ways that we have damaged our atmosphere is by the toxins and gases that we release into the Earth atmosphere daily.
Another way we damage the Earth is by polluting our landfills with waste that cannot be recycled and reused. We are also affecting our environment by diminishing forests that are supposed to provide a healthy level of Oxygen for our atmosphere. (The upper Kobuk River frozen.)
Living in the Northwest Arctic, people live off of the land; hunt caribou, seal, whale, moose, and fish. They then pack the meat themselves and prepare the meat naturally to feed their families. Natives use their fish camps to prepare for long winters by smoking fish and canning it.
This is very different than others in the United States who buy meat from farms where animals have been injected with hormones to grow to their full potential.
People are then consuming hormones that their bodies don’t need. People who consume the fat and meat of contaminated animals are at risk from exposure to high concentrations of toxins.
Elders talk about worshiping the Earth for all the resources that it is provided to them; they believe they are connected to the Earth in a spiritual way. Many Native cultures believe that animals give themselves to the Natives so that they can use them for food. (Shungnak drying out caribou skins to make clothing.)The Inupiat culture also uses animal skin to protect them from the harsh cold and severe weather. So on the plus side of everything almost every animal part is being used for a good reason.
After the animal’s skin and meat are used for cold weather gear and food, the Natives will put the carcass of the animal back where they found it as a way of saying thank you and showing respect.
Another spiritual connection to the Earth is shown by the Native Alaskans when they pray over the fish and rivers where they get their best catches. This type of ritual is also a way to express hope for another successful hunt. They also perform Eskimos dances and potlatch to celebrate their successful hunting trips, fishing, and even the passing of another Elder.
In the Native villages, the weather controls the amount of travel and transportation that people can do. In more civilized areas, people have many modes of transportation and aren’t so limited with their options; however, Native cultures try to keep their tradition by staying secluded, and as a result, their traveling privileges rely on the Earth’s temperatures.
As I have traveled through many Native villages throughout Alaska, I have only seen one-village use windmills for energy. I think that if other villages could incorporate wind power into their daily lives, a more sustainable lifestyle could be given to Native Alaskans.
I think more people need to use the Earth’s natural energy as a power source to be a greener environment. (The Rainbow Bridge in Selawik--means of travel doing break-up.)
In conclusion, one can see that out in the bush of Alaska the Earth’s resources and atmosphere dictate citizen’s survival. It is important for Native Alaskans to keep their traditions and perform their spiritual rituals to the Earth in order to have a better chance of survival and a plentiful life. In their eyes if you respect the Earth and its resources, and use it wisely, it will give you what you need in life.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Essential Question: V
How are climate, cultures and oceans all connected?
Our oceans covering approximately 70% of our Earth surface, it is one of our main resources of life on this planet. The oceans also regulate our weather and climate daily, plus provides mostly us with oxygen for the human and animal population.
We have seven great Oceans that create basins on this one planet: North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. Without these oceans where would we be?
All the oceans gifts are interconnected circulation system powered by tides, wind, and the Earth daily movement. This helps with the sea level changes as plate tectonics cause the volume of oceans basins and the height of the land to change daily. Most of the Earth’s water 97% approximately comes from the oceans.
One big part of the water cycle is connected to all the earth’s reservoirs and evaporation and precipitation process. The oceans are connected to major lakes, rivers, and waterways because all the major water heads drain into the oceans. Another good part is that the rivers and streams transport nutrients, salts, sediments and other etc things into oceans.
However the oceans are very large but the resources are still limited in many ways. We are still exploring how to use the raw materials from the oceans and to help save our planet.
The oceans are a major influence on weather and climate with dominating the Earth’s energy, water and carbon systems. Also the oceans absorb lots of our solar radiation. The oceans will always have unique influence on our climate change by absorbing, storing and moving heat, carbon, and water.
By our science data first life is thought to have started in the ocean but which ocean?
Our oceans covering approximately 70% of our Earth surface, it is one of our main resources of life on this planet. The oceans also regulate our weather and climate daily, plus provides mostly us with oxygen for the human and animal population.
We have seven great Oceans that create basins on this one planet: North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. Without these oceans where would we be?
All the oceans gifts are interconnected circulation system powered by tides, wind, and the Earth daily movement. This helps with the sea level changes as plate tectonics cause the volume of oceans basins and the height of the land to change daily. Most of the Earth’s water 97% approximately comes from the oceans.
One big part of the water cycle is connected to all the earth’s reservoirs and evaporation and precipitation process. The oceans are connected to major lakes, rivers, and waterways because all the major water heads drain into the oceans. Another good part is that the rivers and streams transport nutrients, salts, sediments and other etc things into oceans.
However the oceans are very large but the resources are still limited in many ways. We are still exploring how to use the raw materials from the oceans and to help save our planet.
The oceans are a major influence on weather and climate with dominating the Earth’s energy, water and carbon systems. Also the oceans absorb lots of our solar radiation. The oceans will always have unique influence on our climate change by absorbing, storing and moving heat, carbon, and water.
By our science data first life is thought to have started in the ocean but which ocean?
The oceans supplies us with freshwater, because most rains comes off the oceans currents. We get foods, medicines, and minerals and energy resources and it also supplies us with jobs and helps support our nations economy.
It serves like a highway for domestic and foreign transportation for people and goods.
We live in a global population of where people mostly live in coastal areas. It gives us recreation areas, and rejuvenates our soul of breathing fresh air, with a discovery in many unknown cultures.
We can’t forget about how the Ice Age helped develop the ocean heat currents, energy and shifting of global warming over the years. It made people and animals migrate to different locals to survive. We all are responsible of caring and sustaining the oceans cleanness for all humans to use and to get resources from.
We are still exploring the oceans and all its richness that is being offered to us. In fact we are so curiosity and inquiring how to better our understanding of the ocean systems and opportunities. In time, it will require many chemists, biologist, engineers, geologists, meteorologists, and many other science and technology people using new ways of thinking to use the natural resources from all the oceans.
A few questions:
Can we completely live off the oceans for all of our resources?
Will it ever be possible to build towns or cities on the oceans floors to survive?
It serves like a highway for domestic and foreign transportation for people and goods.
We live in a global population of where people mostly live in coastal areas. It gives us recreation areas, and rejuvenates our soul of breathing fresh air, with a discovery in many unknown cultures.
We can’t forget about how the Ice Age helped develop the ocean heat currents, energy and shifting of global warming over the years. It made people and animals migrate to different locals to survive. We all are responsible of caring and sustaining the oceans cleanness for all humans to use and to get resources from.
We are still exploring the oceans and all its richness that is being offered to us. In fact we are so curiosity and inquiring how to better our understanding of the ocean systems and opportunities. In time, it will require many chemists, biologist, engineers, geologists, meteorologists, and many other science and technology people using new ways of thinking to use the natural resources from all the oceans.
A few questions:
Can we completely live off the oceans for all of our resources?
Will it ever be possible to build towns or cities on the oceans floors to survive?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Module 4
Module IV
Essential Question: How do stories of cataclysmic events help inform students about geosciences and cultures?
We live in an uncertain world and cataclysmic events occur in a matter of moments. When we take a look back to New Orleans and Hurricane "Katrina,” we see how natural disasters can wipe out an entire city and their entire rich heritage in an instant.
Students quickly become interested in these events because they realize that these catastrophes can hit home, or may know someone who has been impacted by a tragic event like Katrina. They want to know why it hit, when it did, and if something like this will ever occur again (specifically in their location). The education about how it may hit again may enable them to partake in effective early warning systems better, as well as learning more about housing durability.
The aftermath of Katrina hurt the culture of New Orleans because it leaves a deep scar behind; a scar that symbolizes the constant reminder of how tragedy can strike at any time. It affected students, families, young adults, sports, and the norms of life along the river in Louisiana.
Learning about these events, and why they occur can help to prevent such terrible aftermaths from occurring when the next natural disaster hits. The Levees that were supposed to stand tall against the storm got tested and now the people of that area know what they need as well as the rest of America.
This natural disaster not only hit Louisiana, or just New Orleans, it hit America's heart; showing us that we can never be too prepared. It really brought a lot of people back home when they realized so many people lost their homes, communities and lives. When you go to New Orleans, people's faces tell their stories; they are worn and battered souls.
This disaster was bringing states and a nation of people together like you never seen before. It takes America to rebuild a place of rich history like New Orleans. It will take a nation at heart and time to grieve the lost and to rebuild a community. Lastly, trying to get the new generation to understand the severity of these cataclysmic events.
Geoscience is always going to be a mystery of our worst nightmares because we can’t predict the outcomes of our fatal earth structure. We have made hand devices to predict the earth and atmosphere movements daily and it constantly out-smarts us daily. So we are really at the beckon call of any cataclysmic events.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Module 3
Essential Question: How are landscapes formed and how, in turn, are cultures shaped by their landscapes?
From my readings, I have learned that landscapes have evolved over time from glaciers, erosion, and the constant movement of plate tectonics. This knowledge will help us to understand how people in Alaska have adapted to life in certain climates.
It’s hard to describe each part of Alaska since Alaska is made up of so many climates, but I think that it’s fair to say that Alaska’s climates can be broken into two categories: interior, and coastal regions.
For example, Seward, AK is located in a coastal region so its main source of business is fishing. As a result of its location, the culture of Seward is primarily based around water, fishing, marine life, charters, and tourism. In the summer, citizens of Seward celebrate the success of their fishing trips. Part of their culture has been to always appreciate the sport of fishing and share what you have earned with others. Another part of this culture on the coastal region is to use the water for sporting activities such as boating, jet skiing, and kayaking.
The interior of Alaska is quite different than life on the coasts. The interior regions are filled with more wilderness and surrounding mountains, and in turn, citizens endure a much harsher lifestyle. Temperatures can change from forty degrees above zero to forty degrees below zero in one day. This fluctuation in temperature can be a result from the mountains in Denali. Citizens in this climate have adjusted to these landscapes by building more durable homes for their warmth and high winds. Hunting is a major sport and source of food in these regions as well. During the summer, as well, the enriched soil permits large, plentiful vegetables to be grown and many partake in gardening.
In summary, not only have the landscapes shaped the culture of citizens in Alaska, but the citizens and their ever-changing cultures have changed the natural landscapes as well.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Module II
Module II, Part II
Essential Question: How is everything connected from the perspectives of indigenous peoples and Western scientists? What are the advantages to knowing both ways?
While working in the rural bush areas daily and seeing the scientific ways and the (normal) native ways tends to make me wonder the advantage of using this method. Over time the native people didn’t take advantage of the western ways, until they figured out, it does make things faster for their environment.
Spending time with Elders, parents and students daily listening about their hunting trips and the land that they covered daily for a feasible reward of food. They patrol certain areas due to the greater the hunt and easier terrain on snow machines, boats or four wheelers to make hunt successful, and to get home safely to feed their families.
Now they use more western devices to help them indicate where they are going to and coming from as a safety net. They also still use their own traditional mind-set and beliefs when all gadgets fail in sum zero temperatures. One advantage for our school students is that they all have laptops to take out to hunt with, so when they are at camp they make movies and come back to show us their great hunt. Rather than tell us all the stories play by play. What they enjoy the most is when their Elders goes with them and teach them the traditional ways as well.
Lastly, this advantage of connections gives the native society a connection to the “outside” world; children are able to see what a more modernized society consists of. One the flip side, westernized societies are able too see what the rural life in Alaska is like through integration of technology as well.
Essential Question: How is everything connected from the perspectives of indigenous peoples and Western scientists? What are the advantages to knowing both ways?
While working in the rural bush areas daily and seeing the scientific ways and the (normal) native ways tends to make me wonder the advantage of using this method. Over time the native people didn’t take advantage of the western ways, until they figured out, it does make things faster for their environment.
Spending time with Elders, parents and students daily listening about their hunting trips and the land that they covered daily for a feasible reward of food. They patrol certain areas due to the greater the hunt and easier terrain on snow machines, boats or four wheelers to make hunt successful, and to get home safely to feed their families.
Now they use more western devices to help them indicate where they are going to and coming from as a safety net. They also still use their own traditional mind-set and beliefs when all gadgets fail in sum zero temperatures. One advantage for our school students is that they all have laptops to take out to hunt with, so when they are at camp they make movies and come back to show us their great hunt. Rather than tell us all the stories play by play. What they enjoy the most is when their Elders goes with them and teach them the traditional ways as well.
Lastly, this advantage of connections gives the native society a connection to the “outside” world; children are able to see what a more modernized society consists of. One the flip side, westernized societies are able too see what the rural life in Alaska is like through integration of technology as well.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Module 1
Essential Question: How can digital resources and effective teaching methods be used to integrate Alaska Native ways of knowing and Western scientific methods in order to create greater understanding of?
Technology it will give everyone a well-rounded view of the world at hand. It offers the uniqueness of pinpointing specific cultural aspects, and also provides graphics to explain the native cultures in Alaska, as well as the world. The integration of modern technology has provided society with more resources to gain knowledge than traditional library materials years ago ever could. The world is changing and we need to be a part of that vast change, not only to better our environment, but also to teach our students. Native Alaskans have used this digital system to educate the nation about the reality of life out in the bush. Sharing their knowledge and experiences is important for Native Alaskans to show the rest of the world how their culture is preserved in their community through education. Utilizing digital systems has also been a significant tool in showing the Westernized societies of the United States the real way of life out in rural Alaska; helping to clarify many unrealistic views that so many have.
Native Alaskans cannot only use digital resources as a way to share their culture and traditions with the rest of the world, but they can use modern technology to help better their own environment as well. Many rural Alaskan communities can learn what other, westernized, societies are doing to provide more sustainable energy and resources through technology. Domains like Google Earth is a great way for Native Alaskans to see what life looks like in other, more modernized, areas, and can enhance their beliefs that anything is possible.
Since the time of man, science has always been a mystery, and misunderstood by Western societies. Technology and resources in modernized societies of the United State often refer to these tools as “Western Science.” Philosophers and historians define modern-day science as the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Western science methods are used to collect data, provide communication, and use experimentation variables.
In talking to Elders, it seems Westernized science years ago consisted of watching the river and ocean currents because the way that the currents changed provided them with the data they needed about the land; they were able to predict by the way of the currents if hunting seasons would be successful or not.
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
One big problem is communication problems often arise from the differences between Western science and Native people, like many children learn about their environment. The holistic way, in which Native Americans have traditionally investigated their environment, everything is contextual. The Elders are struggling to answer questions asked by Western scientists.
Technology it will give everyone a well-rounded view of the world at hand. It offers the uniqueness of pinpointing specific cultural aspects, and also provides graphics to explain the native cultures in Alaska, as well as the world. The integration of modern technology has provided society with more resources to gain knowledge than traditional library materials years ago ever could. The world is changing and we need to be a part of that vast change, not only to better our environment, but also to teach our students. Native Alaskans have used this digital system to educate the nation about the reality of life out in the bush. Sharing their knowledge and experiences is important for Native Alaskans to show the rest of the world how their culture is preserved in their community through education. Utilizing digital systems has also been a significant tool in showing the Westernized societies of the United States the real way of life out in rural Alaska; helping to clarify many unrealistic views that so many have.
Native Alaskans cannot only use digital resources as a way to share their culture and traditions with the rest of the world, but they can use modern technology to help better their own environment as well. Many rural Alaskan communities can learn what other, westernized, societies are doing to provide more sustainable energy and resources through technology. Domains like Google Earth is a great way for Native Alaskans to see what life looks like in other, more modernized, areas, and can enhance their beliefs that anything is possible.
Since the time of man, science has always been a mystery, and misunderstood by Western societies. Technology and resources in modernized societies of the United State often refer to these tools as “Western Science.” Philosophers and historians define modern-day science as the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Western science methods are used to collect data, provide communication, and use experimentation variables.
In talking to Elders, it seems Westernized science years ago consisted of watching the river and ocean currents because the way that the currents changed provided them with the data they needed about the land; they were able to predict by the way of the currents if hunting seasons would be successful or not.
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
One big problem is communication problems often arise from the differences between Western science and Native people, like many children learn about their environment. The holistic way, in which Native Americans have traditionally investigated their environment, everything is contextual. The Elders are struggling to answer questions asked by Western scientists.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
