Explain, Extend, Evaluate: Module III

by Kris Owens

1. Explain: What new learning have you taken from this module?

Increased Google Earth skills -

• I learned how to pan, rotate, and show various layers.
• I learned how to drop a pin on a location.
• I learned that if the view is fuzzy, try turning off layers and starting over!

From the articles, videos, and the PBS presentation I watched (Gates of the Arctic: Alaska's Brooks Range) I learned:

• Three Koykun rules to live by -
1. Don't overhunt. 2. Don't waste. 3. Put things back (what you can't use).
• That the culture of the Koyukin people changed rapidly as western technology became more prevalent.
• That the early Europeans in Alaska that were successful (able to survive and thrive in this landscape) learned what the country offered and from the people that lived here.
• The village of Anuktuvuk Pass formed when some of the nomadic Nunamiut, put down roots. Did their lives improve? In some ways it did. Infrustructure developed, in the form of mail service, transportation (airport), and the delivery of supplies.
Change came fast. People began having to deal with bills, water, light, and housing. They were suprised that they had to pay/work for houses, and needed to get used to a western lifestyle and a cash economy. How could they integrate their lifestyle, including the hunting of caribou, sheep, and moose, into this cash economy?

2.  Extend: How can/will you use this week’s resources and/or others in your community in your lessons?

I will be more knowledgeable when using Google Earth in leassons. In addition, many of the media resources present interesting ideas and/or tools related to topics my students encounter. While all of the media shared is very useful, two that really clicked for me were the video, "Plate Tectonics:  An Introduction",  and "Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker." These will both work out well with one theme we explore called, "Our Changing Earth."

3.  Evaluate: How useful, insightful or relevant are this module’s information and resources for you?

The information encountered can only serve to enrich the topics that are explored with students. The technology skills improved by exploring Google Earth, and sites encountered, such as the "Rock Cycle Animation" are highly useful and relevant to topics taught in the 3rd - 6th grade level, as well as age-appropriate.

Cited resources:

Plate Tectonics:  An Introduction http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.plateintro/

Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.shake/

Rock Cycle Animation
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.rockcycle/

Gates of the Arctic:  Alaska's Brooks Range - available from
http://www.alaskageographic.org