Module II - Geography of Alaska

No matter where you are, we're glad you're here!

Petroglyph patterns emerge in the dappled light near Juneau, AK. 

Photo by C. Good

  

Essential Questions:

• How are Alaska's natural systems interconnected?
• How have Alaska's natural systems changed over time?
• How does digital information change our understanding of natural systems?
• How does knowledge of natural systems inform our understanding of cultural systems?
• How does knowledge of natural systems relate to the roles of educators?

ENGAGE

Ever since humans started scratching maps in the dirt and etching stone markers, it's been in our nature to understand the nature of our surroundings. Naturally, we named this study of our place, Geography. Literally - Picture of the Land.

How else could tiny humans begin to grasp the scale and extent of this Great Land and the processes that shape its contours? 

Fortunately, now we have more than drawings in the dust or carvings in stone to inform us in this rapidly changing world of digital information.

EXPLORE

Alaska History and Culture Studies

Now is a good time to visit one of the keystone resources for this course, Alaska History and Culture Studies.


CLICK HERE to access this great collection. Then click on the Geography link right on the top of the page. There you'll find excellent summaries, maps and other information about Alaska's places, regions and physical geography.

For this exercise, review please follow the first four links found on the Geography of Alaska page.

1. Introduction
2. Alaska's Location
3. Places and Regions 
4. Physical Geography

EXAMINE 

1. Relative Locations vs. Absolute Locations

• Where on Earth is Alaska?
• What are the physical dimensions of Alaska?
• Furthers points East, West, North and South?

2. Places and Regions

• Distinguish between formal, functional and perceptual regions.
• What roles do physiographic features play in delineating regions?
• What roles to cultures and languages play in delineating regions?

 

3. Physical Geography 

• What are the major spheres that constitute Alaska's landscapes?
• How do the spheres interact to create the landscapes of Alaska?
• How does the geography of Alaska influence its cultures?

EXTEND

• Describe the geography of the place where you live.
• How is the culture of that place influenced by its geography?
• How does the geography of place relate to the roles of teachers?

What's Next?

Now that we've a taste of what Alaska History and Culture Studies has to offer, let's move on to a more detailed view of Alaska's Lithosphere.