Module 2 - Natural History

Essential Questions: How Does Knowledge of Natural Systems Relate to the Role of Educators?

The knowledge of natural systems has both direct and indirect roles to educators.  The direct benefit of this knowledge is that it is part of the curriculum when teaching earth/physical sciences or teaching an AK studies course.  For these  teachers, tectonic plate theory is part an parcel of geology and the movement of peoples.

However, this information is of limited value when dealing in the study of modern crime or politics which are my bread and butter.  I have taught small units on plate tectonics as a History teacher.  This is valuable knowledge when giving the whole picture about how people have populated the globe and helping students to understand why certain cultures developed in certain ways.  Having students understand that geography and resource allocation is important in combating Eurocentrict stereotypes as to why some cultures saw technological plateaus.

Examine: How are Tectonic Forces Responsible for Earthquakes and Tsunamis?
Why are they inevitable along the gulf coast of Alaska?

The tectonic plates are moving and forcing energy into the landform and thus creating earthquakes.  There are 7 major plates; which cause the continental sea floor to shift.  The tectonic plates pushe on the landform andcreate mountain ranges; they occur along plate borders. 

Earthquakes and tsunamis are inevitable due to the location of Alaskas gulf coast is in-between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. 

Source: http://reocities.com/athens/2231/dfs.html

Evaluate:

This unit was interesting for the sake of getting to know Alaska in a way that my discipline normally neglects.  I have a personal interest in this information.  However, I must admit that it is not directly applicable to the subjects that I teach.  Again, it was still interesting and is information that will lead to appreciating this state in a much deeper way.  Whenever someone looks at the bays, ranges and interior they can now understand the depth of geology and paleolithic history as well as its beauty.

Blog Sites I Visited for Unit II:

• http://alaskacoast.blogspot.com/
• http://investigatealaska.blogspot.com/
• http://explorealaskawithwhitney.blogspot.com/