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Plants of the Tundra

Science Standards:
A15
B1

Math Standards:
A3
A5
Cultural Standards:
C1
D1
D2

Author (s):

Sophie Kasayulie, YSD, Tad and Johanna DeGray, Alakanuk, LYSD, and Luise Woelflein, Green Fire, Inc.

Grade Level:

3, 4, 5

Context:

2 to 3 weeks in early fall; designed for a camp setting

Region:

Yup'ik

Science Standards:

A15 - Use science to understand and describe the local environment

B1 - Use the processes of science, including observing, classifying, measuring, interpreting data, inferring, communicating, controlling variables, developing models and theories, hypothesizing, predicting and experimenting

Skills and Knowledge:

* Be able to identify local tundra plants in Yup'ik and English.
* Observe, measure and collect data in order to classify, predict and communicate an understanding of their everyday world.

Math Standards:

A3 - Perform basic arithmetic functions and make reasoned estimates. Select and use appropriate methods or tools for computation or estimation such as mental arithmetic, paper and pencil, calculator, computer
A5 - construct, draw, measure, transform, compare, visualize, classify and analyze geometric relationships among geometric figures

Skills and Knowledge:

* Predict the amount of berries that can be picked within a l meter diameter circle; pick and measure the amount of berries in several sample plots; find the average amount of berries;
* Estimate the area of the field; estimate the amount of berries in the field.
* Create circle plots using .5 meter pieces of string and identify the radius, diameter and circumference and calculate the area of the circle.

Cultural Standards: C1 - perform subsistence activities in ways that are appropriate to local traditions;
D1 - Acquire in-depth cultural knowledge through active participation and meaningful interaction with Elders
D2 - Participate in and make constructive contributions to the learning activities associated with a traditional camp environment;

Skills and Knowledge:

* be able to identify local tundra plants in Yup'ik and English and identify their edible, medicinal and other uses.
* Prepare a traditional food dish using gathered plants to be used at a potluck.
*Gather appropriate grass in order to make simple baskets.

To see the full unit:
http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/curriculum/units/plantstundra.html

» Culturally-Responsive Units/Lessons

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