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Digging and Preparing Spruce Roots

:

Digging and Preparing Spruce Roots

Science Standards:
B1
Cultural Standards:
A4
C1
D5
E2

Author (s):

Iditarod Area School District
Alan & Helen Dick, Donna Miller MacAlpine

Grade Level:

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Context:

Two weeks in spring or tall when ground is not frozen,

Region:

Interior Athabascan

Science Standards:

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.

Skills and Knowledge:

1. Students will use the processes of science to determine how to find and prepare the best spruce roots.
2. Students will use the processes of science to test the qualities of spruce roots and to compare them to other materials for similar uses.
3. Students will be able to use spruce roots for many different purposes, replacing other types of materials when necessary.

Cultural Standards: A4 practice their traditional responsibilities to the surrounding environment;
C1 perform subsistence activities in ways that are appropriate to local cultural traditions;
D5 identify and utilize appropriate sources of cultural knowledge to find solutions to everyday problems;
E2 understand the ecology and geography of the bioregion they inhabit;

Skills and Knowledge:

1. Students will learn to harvest spruce roots in a traditional manner, respecting the environment and becoming familiar with the local bioregion.
2. Students will learn from the words and examples of old timers how spruce roots can be used in place of modern products such as rope or wire.

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

» Culturally-Responsive Units/Lessons

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