No matter where you are, we're glad you're here!
Essential Questions:
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| Click to enlarge this Google Earth image. |
- 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
This is not to imply that humans aren't an integral part of Alaska's natural history - just a fairly recent part.
To better understand the cultural history of Alaska, we're going to first develop a basic understanding of the natural pre-history of the places in which human cultures have comparatively recently taken root since the last ice age.
Naturally, we'll be looking for connections.
Cultural Connections
You don’t have to be a Zen Buddhist to recognize that, somehow or another, everything is connected. However, such understanding may come from widely divergent perspectives, depending on your cultural point of reference.
Natural History
Long before humans showed up on the scene, the planet's landforms, life-forms, atmosphere, and climate had been changing and evolving, and still is - in some cases at faster rates than previously experienced. This is not to imply that humans aren't an integral part of Alaska's natural history - just a fairly recent part.
To better understand the cultural history of Alaska, we're going to first develop a basic understanding of the natural pre-history of the places in which human cultures have comparatively recently taken root since the last ice age.
Naturally, we'll be looking for connections.
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Inua II -- Van Zyle, by permission |
You don’t have to be a Zen Buddhist to recognize that, somehow or another, everything is connected. However, such understanding may come from widely divergent perspectives, depending on your cultural point of reference.
For example, an Iñupiaq or Inuit elder living in a small village on the northern coast of the Arctic Ocean, everything is connected may be understood as Sila or Inua, the Spirit within everything that connects all life, time, energy and the physical world.
Such a view is not far removed from the geoscientist's understanding that everything is connected in the earth system; that the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, and atmosphere are all interconnected and interdependent.
Living in Both Worlds
Perhaps you have students who live both world views right now - Sila and Science. As we begin our too-brief journey through Alaska's Natural History, we'll be looking for opportunities to explore the natural world in the context of where students live and explore some of their connections to places.
EXPLORE
Click on this Venn diagram adapted from Sidney Stephens' Handbook for Culturally Responsive Science Curriculum.
It's a useful illustration of many of the meaningful ways in which Traditional Native Knowledge and Western Science diverge as well as the common ground they share.
EXAMINE
- What are some differences between traditional Native knowledge and Western science?
- Describe some of the common ground shared between these two world views.
EXTEND
- What are some of the values of knowing both ways?
- What are some educational challenges and opportunities presented by applying both ways?
- What other resources may be useful in integrating both perspectives?
What's Next?
Let's take a look at what Alaska History and Culture Studies can teach us about the Geography of Alaska.