Parallel Curriculum Model: UAS ED 633 Jim Shetter: Alaska Geography / Spring 2013 PCM Template

Topic:

Geography: Regions of Alaska

Concepts: Individual Culture Geographic features and formal regions Map Interpretations Climate Human History Movement

Discipline: Language Arts: Vocabulary Cultural Awareness Map Usage History

Generalizations:
In the Alaska Geography unit students will understand the in-depth exploration of the rich geographic and cultural background of the state and its people which have shaped Alaska. This unit seeks to ensure that students have a strong foundation in the historic and individual culture can be shaped by geography, climate, and formal regions as result of movement of peoples of Alaska. Students will understand the origins and diversity of Alaskan Native cultural groups through geography to development of a sense of civic responsibility and community from research, presentation and participatory activities.

Standard(s): Based on Alaska History Standards.

1. (AH PPE1) A geographic region is composed of a complex set of factors including physical feature, climate, location, flora/fauna, and human history. (AH PPE2) The name and geographic homes of Alaskas indigenous groups are important to their lifestyles. (AH PPE4, AH CC1) Alaska's location is critical to understanding its role in world history. (AH PPE2) Alaska's vast size and geographic shape are essential to understanding its diversity. (AH PPE4, AH CPD4) Alaska's vast size and geographic shape present significant internal transportation within the state. (AH PPE7) To a geographer, place is somewhere people can identify as special or distinctive and also has tangible physical and human geographic characteristics. (AH PPE1) Natural hazards are a dominant feature of Alaska's environment.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7.

Skills: S1 Research S2 Compare and contrast S3 Create S4 Read for information S6 Perform S6 Analyze

Key Facts: Name and Locate places in Alaska:

Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands, Anchorage, Arctic Circle, Arctic Ocean, Barrow, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Canada, Chukchi Sea, Fairbanks, Gulf of Alaska, Juneau, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Kuskokwim River, Mt. McKinley, Nome, Nunivak Island,, Pacific Ocean, Russia, Seward Peninsula, Sitka, Valdez and Yukon River. Self Awareness: Confronting Alaska Issues both Non-Native and Native. Diversity of Alaska: Groupings based on broad

Tomlinson et al 2009

Adapted by Dr. Marty Laster UAS

Parallel Curriculum Model: UAS ED 633 Jim Shetter: Alaska Geography / Spring 2013
cultural and linguistic similarities of people living contiguously.

Current demographic information:

Population, race, religion, language and current and historical census data for the state, boroughs/census areas and communities.

Importance of Culture in each region: Peoples of Alaska.

Content
The standardsbased content is the study of Geography of Alaska. The interaction of this study will develop Vocabulary, Geographic Features, Cultural Diversity and Characteristics, World History and Natural Hazards.

Assessments
Formal and informal assessments and progress will occur throughout the unit. 1. Pre Assessment of places of Alaska. 2. Analyze relationships of the location of individual cultures, geographic features and formal regions 3. Interpret maps. 4. Test on facts related to geographic regions 5. Quiz on geographic vocabulary terms 6. Quiz on locations of cities, rivers, mountain ranges, native groups 7. Written responses to the Essential Questions Students selfassess their own involvement in

Introductory Activities
1. Pre Assess Students on Places in Alaska. 2. Hand out random regional card to students. 6 regions in all and students divide into their group. 3. Handout blank Map and have students fill in their regional area map information from Native Peoples and Languages of Alaska Map.

Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies to work independently and with group activity. Students will write a report or power point on their individual region as a group and individual regional thematic.

Learning Activities
Essential Questions: Earthquakes, volcanic explosions, and snow avalanches are examples of natural hazards in Alaska. 1. How are these hazards related to the distribution of Alaska's population? 2. Why is there a significant difference between urban and rural Alaska? 3. What are the great river systems of Alaska and where are they located? 4. Alaska's landforms are dynamic, not static. How is the process of plate tectonics changing the shape of Alaska? How are these ongoing changes reflected in natural hazards? 5. What are the

Tomlinson et al 2009

Adapted by Dr. Marty Laster UAS

Parallel Curriculum Model: UAS ED 633 Jim Shetter: Alaska Geography / Spring 2013
class discussions and academic performances, and reflect their patterns of participation major factors that shape the climates of Alaska? Where are glaciers found in Alaska and why are they located there? 6. How could Alaska be both the "center" of the world and relatively isolated at the same time? 7. Why has travel within Alaska historically, and today, been difficult?

Grouping Strategies
Various grouping strategies will occur in this unit: 1. Independent and partner teams for research and creation of products. 2. Small group activities and practice for presentations. 3. Whole class direct instruction.

Products
Products will be created by the student as a result of participating in this unit: 1. Personal Regional and State filled in map. 2. A Power Point or Written document on individual regional thematic theme. 3. Community development and civic responsibilities for Alaska communities. 4. Intrapersonal development of Alaska culture and connections of Alaskas movement. 5. Make connections

Resources
Resources needed to complete this unit include: 1. Alaska's History; The People, Land and Events of the North Country. 2. Alaska in Maps: A Thematic Atlas. Alaskas Heritage. Unit information available at www.akhistory.or g 3. Alaska Map E Shaded Relief map 4. A Teacher's Guide to Alaska in Maps Resource provided by MSBSD CD-ROM version Alaska in Maps: A Thematic Atlas Issued in 2000,

Extension Activities
Extension activities include: 1. Class Visit to The Alaska Heritage Center to see Regional Information. 2. Guest Speakers from each region speak about their lives living in their region.

Modifications for AID

Differentiated instruction, as well as differentiated assessment will be provided as needed for students that need additional support. Examples: 1. Major Regional reflection by taking notes on each region during presentations for regional assignment vs. individual research. 2. Major features of just the 6 Alaska Region for State test. 3. Oral Presentation. 4. Down sized Unit Geography Test to fit need of

Tomlinson et al 2009

Adapted by Dr. Marty Laster UAS

Parallel Curriculum Model: UAS ED 633 Jim Shetter: Alaska Geography / Spring 2013
between the historical past and present as it relates to the student through geography. currently available in Windows format from the Alaska Geographic Alliance, Institute of the North. Participants in the Alaska History Institute receives this free. Free online resource at http://24.237.164. 204/atlas/MapMe nu.do student. 5 basic themes and geographic features in each region.

Tomlinson et al 2009

Adapted by Dr. Marty Laster UAS