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Beaver In Interior Alaska

:
Beaver In Interior Alaska

Science Standards:
A7
A14
A15
B1
D3

Math Standards:
A3
A4
C1
E2
Cultural Standards:
A4
C1
E2

Author (s):

Iditarod Area School District Donna Miller MacAlpine

Grade Level:

K, 1,2 3

Context:

Two to three weeks in spring, during beaver trapping season

Region:

Interior Athabascan

Science Standards:

A7 - understand how the earth changes because of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion and deposition, and living things (Processes that Shape the Earth);
A14 - understand (A) - the interdependence between living things and their environments;
A15 - use science to understand and describe the local environment (Local Knowledge);
B1 - use the processes of Science; these processes include observing, classifying, measuring, interpreting data, inferring, communicating, controlling variables, developing models and theories, hypothesizing, predicting, and experimenting;
D3 - recommend solutions to everyday problems by applying scientific knowledge and skills;

Skills and Knowledge:

1) Students will be able to list the beaver's adaptive characteristics and to indicate how each helps the beaver to survive.
2) Students will be able to list the things necessary in an ideal beaver habitat and to give local examples of such.
3) Students will be able to give examples of the changes beaver can make in the environment.
4) Students will be able to draw/build a model beaver lodge and to describe its distinctive characteristics.

Math Standards:

A3 - perform basic arithmetic functions, make reasoned estimates, and select and use appropriate methods or tools for computation or estimation including mental arithmetic, paper and pencil, a calculator, and a computer;
A4 - represent, analyze, and use mathematical patterns, relations, and functions using methods such as tables, equations, and graphs;
C1 - express and represent mathematical ideas using oral and written presentations, physical materials, pictures, graphs, charts, and algebraic expressions;
E2 - use mathematics in daily life;

Skills and Knowledge:

1) Students will be able to perform basic arithmetic functions, to estimate and to choose appropriate tools to solve simple problems involving beaver.
2) Students will be able to use math to calculate receipts and profits from beaver trapping, production of artifacts from beaver parts and other business transactions.
3) Students will know by experience that math is a useful tool in solving daily problems.

Cultural Standards: A4 - practice their traditional responsibilities to the surrounding environment.
C1 - perform subsistence activities in ways that are appropriate to local cultural traditions;
E2 - understand the ecology and geography of the bioregion they inhabit;

Skills and Knowledge:

1 Students will know how to treat beaver according to local custom.
2 Students will know the traditional importance of beaver in the local economy.
3 Students will know the importance of beaver in the local bioregion.
4 Students will be able to indicate on a map of the local area the places where beaver are traditionally found.

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

» Culturally-Responsive Units/Lessons

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