Week 2 Module

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

Before I read “Traditional Knowledge Systems in the Arctic” I had no idea there was a definition for “traditional knowledge”. I have heard and used the phrase very frequently without ever stopping and thinking about it.  Was my understanding of traditional knowledge accurate? Is it a term I used the wrong way?  I am very relieved to find out the definitions matched what I believed tradition knowledge to be.

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

I love the Traditional Native Knowledge and Western Science Venn diagram and have posted it in my classroom. I feel it is very important to let students know that their traditional ways are just as important and valued as western science. The Bering Strait District gives common exams to all of the sites. One exam question is how do native ways of knowing compare to western science. This diagram is a wonderful visual for my students.

In two of my classes we are starting astronomy in about three weeks. The Nova clip "Galileo: Sun-Centered System" is a perfect anticipatory set for starting an astronomy unit. I think it is very important for students to know ideas about the universe change, and much of what we are talking about is theory. It was not long ago people believed Earth was the center of the universe.

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

When I was doing my student teaching I had a small introduction to Google Earth in one of my classes. It has always been in the back of my mind, but I never really paid much attention to it. After reacquainting myself to Google Earth I remembered how wonderful it is. One of my goals for this weekend is to install the program on the high school laptops so I can use it with my students. It was so much fun exploring, and I am sure my students can have fun while learning. On a side note the images of my parent’s farm house were taken on the day of my wedding. If you look closely you can see the arch laying down in the grass. 

Image taken from Google Earth

3 Colleagues

The first blog I went to was Science Explorations. I really enjoyed reading this blog because she talked about what the word holistic means. Holistic is another word that I have often heard, but never took the time to figure out exactly what it means.


The second blog I read was Explore Alaska with Alison.  She also takes her students outside to use nature to teach science. However, it must be very hard not to have a lab to fall back on. I admire that she is still able to teaching engaging lessons. I am sure her students appreciate it. 


The third blog I read was Explore Alaska. I really liked how she talked about cycles as common ground between native and western ways of thinking. I had never made this connection before and I believe it is a good way to introduce different types of cycles to my students in the future.