Essential Question: How is Earth's climate connected to its geological, biological and cultural systems?
ENGAGE
Cultural Connections
While there is still much to learn about the timing and routes of the peopling of the Americas, it's interesting and noteworthy that most human migration into the Americas seems strongly tied to the timing of climate changes.
First - Global cooling lowered sea-level by glaciating the land, exposing terrestrial passages eastward from the Asian continent.
Second- Global warming de-glaciated much of the continent, permitting easier passage on land, though it is probable that some of those who migrated to North America came earlier by skin boat or kayak, migrating along coastal routes.
Whether Inuit or Athapaskan, Yupik or Aleut, Tlingit or Haida, Alaska's indigenous people have generations of experiential knowledge that adds to our collective knowledge of how climate change affects ecosystems, as wells as those who depend on them most directly.
EXPLORE
Teachers' Domain
TD has produced a number of great video resources that highlight the perspectives of various Native groups. Review this TD video, Inuit Observations of Climate Change.
Inuit Observations of Climate Change Career Connections
In this segment, we return to our regular feature of profiling Alaska Natives who live both ways - practicing western science while keeping their cultural practices alive.
Along with the story of La'ona DeWilde is a TD video reporting on how Alaska Native Teens Help Researchers.
La'ona DeWilde: Environmental Biologist Alaska Native Teens Help Researchers The Arctic Climate Modeling Program. Check it out!
EXPLAIN
- What are some of the affects of climate change experienced by Alaska Natives?
- How does La'ona DeWilde use GIS in her work?
- How could you involve your students in authentic scientific research?
- How could you integrate western scientific knowledge and traditional Native knowledge with your students?
- How useful are these resources for shining two lights on the same path?
