Focus Questions/Objectives/Key Concepts
Curriculum Objectives
Arctic Alive is an innovative e-learning project that will bring
cutting-edge geosciences research to the K-12 classroom, integrate
geosciences curriculum, provide opportunities for K-12 teachers
to work with scientists, and promote global understanding about
the value and worldwide significance of the Arctic. Arctic Alive
focuses on arctic research, the importance of the arctic region
including its role in global climate change, its extraordinary environments,
and diverse cultures.
Arctic Alive is a distance-learning environment for learners to
be transported virtually to unique and remote locations within the
arctic region. Arctic Alive an interactive, real-time, and unique
web-based education program. Two key program components are (1)
a teacher in the field with the geoscientists to facilitate activities
in the classroom and (2) student interactions with the researchers.
The curriculum is standards-based and interdisciplinary.
We anticipate that Arctic Alive will serve as a model innovative,
web-based, virtual learning environment that can be accessed around
the world. As a result of participation:
- Students will be encouraged to explore scientific careers,
will better understand current geosciences research, and will
be more aware of the Arctic as a critical component of the global
environment.
- Educators will acquire a valuable new tool for science
teaching and teaching about geosciences in the Arctic, an area
of the world about which there is scant instructional material.
- Indigenous peoples of the North will gain an unprecedented
platform for sharing traditional knowledge regarding the lands
they have inhabited for more than ten thousand years.
- Practicing scientists will be enriched by contact with
future scientists of the 21st century. Reporting from isolated
locations such as an ice field in Greenland or a Naval vessel
navigating the Arctic Ocean, geoscientists will have the opportunity
to capture students’ imagination with the excitement and
adventure of science.
Focus Questions
Throughout the Arctic Alive! mission teachers should be asking students
questions to determine the student’s level of understanding.
Initially, questions should allow students to communicate that they
have knowledge and understanding of the actual content or skills being
taught. Once students have demonstrated understanding, teachers should
ask questions that allow students to apply, analyze, synthesize or
evaluate the new information and skills they have gained. Teachers
should make an effort to ask questions that make students consider
how the information is relevant to them individually and locally.
Some key questions that should be asked and extended include:
- What is the Arctic and what is its significance in climate change?
- What is the significance of climate change, locally and globally?
What are possible projected consequences of climate change? What
can/will you do, as an individual or community, to help slow the
rate of global warming?
- Can you explain what are geosciences and give examples? What
are examples of current geoscience research and how can you pursue
career opportunities in geoscience?
- As case study of geoscience, why/how is sea ice important in
the Arctic ecosystem, in regards to climate change, and for research
purposes?
- Why is it important and how can “local knowledge”
be utilized in climate change research?
- How have you applied the steps of the scientific method and
the skills of scientific inquiry?
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