In this set of lessons, students have the opportunity to think like scientists as they examine actual data related to Arctic ground squirrels, organize it in logical ways, and make inferences based on the data.
Objectives
Students will develop an understanding of some of the ways scientists use and organize data.
We want students to develop the habits, traits, and qualities of effective scientists. What better way for them to learn what these traits are than by hearing from actual scientists? In this lesson, students watch video interviews with four Arctic scientists from the University of Alaska, notice what types of work scientists do on a daily basis, and make
Students will engage in a hands-on activity to help them consider what students in a tropical climate do to prepare for recess compared with students who live in the interior of Alaska.
Objectives
Students will:
* Compare what students in a tropical climate do to prepare for recess with students who live in the interior of Alaska.
* Learn
Students will sing a song and engage in an active game to learn more about ice algae and its role in the arctic ecosystem.
Objective
Students will learn about the arctic ecosystem, particularly the roles of ice algae, plankton, krill, fish, birds, seals, whales and polar bears through song and active participation.
Students will sing a song about the Bering Sea ocean ecosystem.
Objective
To sing a fun science-themed song!
Preparation
* Teach students about the Bering Sea ecosystem or have them review journal entries from Maggie Prevenas’ PolarTREC expedition (see Resources section for address).
* Hand out song sheet or project words onto a screen
Students will create a bookmark to help them remember that diatoms (ice algae) are the main producers in the Bering Sea ecosystem.
Objective
To create a tangible reminder of how the Bering Sea ecosystem's main producers (diatoms and ice algae) use sunlight and transfer that into food energy for use by most other creatures that live there