Alaska Reflections

Module 2

How does digital information change our understanding of natural systems?

I enjoyed exploring the plethora of the digital resources that were presented in this module on natural history.  Certainly access to information is important for scientists, educators as well as citizens.  These resources allow complex concepts and scientific data to be presented in a way that is accessible to non-scientists. 

The ability for scientists to share information, data and research on natural systems through digital technology enhances the development of a deeper understanding of our natural environment.  This could create a larger web of information where connections and contrasts might be created through access to digital catalogues, search engines and clearing houses.   This might be especially important in Alaska due to our isolation where professionals may not have the opportunity for on-going contact and dialogue related to their work. 

Remains of Eagle Village on the Yukon River in eastern Alaska after rapid ice breakup in early May 2009.Photos by Carl Stapler/National Park Service.

As I went through the videos of break-up, tsunamis and volcanoes, my two elementary aged children were pulled from their activities to investigate what mom might be watching for her “adult class.”  The images and videos immediately engaged them and promoted observation, comparison and discussion.   The availability of these resources to share with students in the classroom would be a way to increase interest and understanding of the learning objectives. As a special educator, I also know that allowing learners’ access to information using a variety of input modalities is important, Images and video with sound can support increased engagement and comprehension of the concepts and content.   

How have Alaska’s natural systems changed over time?

The word that kept entering my thoughts as I reviewed the materials on Alaska’s natural systems was “dynamic.”  Evidence of this dynamic system is apparent to me on my daily commute to work.  I enjoy living in an environment that gives us daily reminders of our dependence on the natural world.    The land on which the elementary school sits where I worked with  children today was relatively recently covered with glacial ice.

Location of Mendenhall Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Post-LIA terminus positions are overlain on a 1996 aerial photograph. Datum: UTM8N, NAD27. (Motyka et al, 2002 http://www.polar-remotesensing.alaska.edu/case_glacier/area.html

Another personal reminder of natural system changes in Alaska I was while hiking in Wachusett Inlet in the east arm of Glacier Bay during a kayak trip.  We were surrounded by fields of dry rock, alder leaves decomposing in the cracks.  Dryas claiming it’s territory on rocks in a carpet of large, spongy circles.   This was a recently receded glacial zone and possibly we were the first humans to set foot in the newly revealed landscape since the most recent ice age. 

 Dryas patch, Glacier Bay National Park.

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Most impacting of the resources were the stories of Native Alaskans sharing their observations of changes in their environment during their lifetimes as well as through historical records passed down through generations.   The Iñupiaq people of Barrow described the impact of changes in the ice and it’s effect on their subsistence activities vital to their culture and survival (Arctic climate perspectives,Teacher’s Domain).   Their deep  understanding of sea ice and it’s impact on their whaling activities was reflected in their voices. This powerful message of climate change is immediately accessible to educators, the media or any interested party in gaining information beyond the facts and figures of data to share the personal effects of a changing environment.  

Reflection

Taku Inlet, near Juneau, Alaska

I appreciate the resources pulled together for this course, thanks!  It has been very enjoyable to spend time learning more about Alaska and considering my role in sharing this with students.  Hoping the blogging experience gets a bit more free flowing for me in the next entry....