Lesson plan summaries

Unit 1. Oceans and Rivers
Lesson Plan 1. “The Water Cycle: Replenishing with Fresh Water”
Summary: The water cycle demonstrates the continuous movement of water on Earth, which is a great part of the Chugach region. Through this investigation students will explore and develop an understanding of the water cycle.
Learning objectives:
  • Students will develop an understanding of the water cycle and recreate a labeled diagram.
  • Students will correctly define and use basic vocabulary terns associated with the water cycle (collection, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, etc.).
  • Students will be able to identify the various ways water is used in their local environment.
  • Students will identify and discuss the environmental impact of their own use of water in their area.
National Science Education Standards
Earth and Space Science
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties of earth materials
  • Objects in the sky
  • Changes in earth and sky
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Structure of the earth system
  • Earth’s history
  • Earth in the solar system
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Energy in the earth system
  • Geochemical cycles
  • Origin and evolution of the earth system
  • Origin and evolution of the universe
Alaska State Standards
Concepts of Earth Science
A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, processes, theories, models, evidence, and systems of earth and space sciences.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of Earth’s geochemical cycles;
  • Develop an understanding of the origins, ongoing processes, and forces that shape the structure, composition, and physical history of the Earth;
  • Develop an understanding of the cyclical changes controlled by energy from the sun and by Earth’s position and motion in our solar system; and
  • Develop an understanding of the theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe.

Lesson Plan 2. “Food Chain:  The Gulf of Alaska Today and Tomorrow”
Summary: The Gulf of Alaska is an important source of food to the people of the Chugach region and the students need to understand the interconnected ties marine life has in the food chain and food web. Students will also learn about the life and characteristics of Pacific Herring and how herring is a part of the marine food chain. Students will also examine how herring and herring roe (and kelp) are a part of the Alutiiq culture, how herring is fished now and how it was fished in the past.
Learning objectives:
  • Students will identify and name marine fish and mammal species of the Gulf of Alaska.
  • Students will organize a simple food chain and a food web of familiar plants and marine fish or mammals from the Gulf of Alaska.
  • Students will describe how energy for life primarily derives from the sun.
  • Students will understand the groups of marine species such as Fish, Pinniped, and Cetaceans, including the features of individual species utilized by the Chugach tribes.
  • Students will understand that lack of resources and factors such as predation and climate limit the growth of populations in specific niches in the ecosystem.
National Science Education Standards:
Life Science
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of
  • The characteristics of organisms
  • Life cycles of organisms
  • Organisms and environments
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of
  • Structure and function in living systems
  • Reproduction and heredity
  • Regulation and behavior
  • Populations and ecosystems
  • Diversity and adaptations of organisms
Content Standard C: As a result of tier activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
  • The cell
  • Molecular basis of heredity
  • Biological evolution
  • Interdependence of organisms
  • Matter, energy, an organization in living systems
  • Behavior of organisms
Alaska State Standards:
Concepts of Life Science
A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, facts, evidence, systems, and processes of life science.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of how science explains changes in life forms over time, including genetics, heredity, the process of natural selection, and biological evolution;
  • Develop an understanding of the structure function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms; and 
  • Develop an understanding that all organisms are linked to each other and their physical environments through the transfer and transformation of matter and energy.

Unit 2. Beaches and Tidal Zones
Lesson Plan 1. “Solar/Lunar Changes on Our Beach”
Summary: Chugach tribes have lived on the coasts of Alaska’s Gulf for thousands of years and it is important to understand and respect the tides. Students will also measure tides and study how tides are formed. 
Learning objectives:
  • Students will create a presentation explaining the forces that cause and effect tides in the Gulf of Alaska.
  • Students will describe how tides affect their lives and explain the importance of observing tides.
  • Students will distinguish variations in tidal patterns and water levels on the coast and discuss the conditions that have influenced the variations.
National Science Education Standards
Earth and Space Science
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties of earth materials
  • Objects in the sky
  • Changes in earth and sky
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Structure of the earth system
  • Earth’s history
  • Earth in the solar system
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Energy in the earth system
  • Geochemical cycles
  • Origin and evolution of he earth system
  • Origin and evolution of the universe
Alaska Science Standards
Concepts of Earth Science
A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, processes, theories, models, and evidence, and systems of earth and space sciences.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of Earth’s geochemical cycles:
  • Develop an understanding of the origins, ongoing processes, and forces that shape the structure, composition, and physical history of the Earth;
  • Develop an understanding of the cyclical changes controlled by energy from the sun and by Earth’s position and motion in our solar system; and
  • Develop an understanding of the theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe.

Lesson Plan 2. “Beach Treasures – Food on The Beach”
Summary: Students will investigate the variety of inter tidal organisms found on the tidal zone.  Students will also examine some of the ways that the Chugach tribes use materials gathered from the beach for various purposes.
Learning objectives:
  • Students will identify and name inter-tidal organisms in the Gulf of Alaska, Chugach Region.
  • Students will identify the invertebrates: Mollusks, Echinoderms, and Crustaceans.
  • Students will tell how the Chugach tribes use Mollusks, Echinoderms, and Crustaceans.
  • Students will learn about changes in the inter-tidal area of the Chugach Region from the Elders.
  • Students will describe the life cycles of three of the inter-tidal organisms they find.
National Science Education Standards
Life Science
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of
  • The characteristics of organisms
  • Life cycles of organisms
  • Organisms and environments
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of
  • Structure and function in living systems
  • Reproduction and heredity
  • Regulation and behavior
  • Populations and ecosystems
  • Diversity and adaptations of organisms
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
  • The cell
  • Molecular bases of heredity
  • Biological evolution
  • Interdependence of organisms
  • Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
  • Behavior of organisms
Alaska State Standards
Concepts of Life Science
A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, facts, evidence, systems, and processes of life science.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of how science explains changes in life forms over time, including genetics, heredity, the process of natural selection, and biological evolution;
  • Develop an understanding of the structure, function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms; and
  • Develop an understanding that all organisms are linked to each other and their physical environments through the transfer of transformation of matter and energy.


Unit 3. The Earth, Forests and Trees
Lesson Plan 1. “Abundance of the Forest”
Summary: Students will learn the uses of forest products by Natives of the Chugach region and their value as food, medicine, shelter building, or ceremonial use. Students will also learn about the process of photosynthesis and the ecological role of forests.
Learning Objectives:
  • Students will describe the ecological definition of community.
  • Students will identify products made from local forest materials by Native and non-native people.
  • Students will understand the importance of photosynthesis in the Chugach Region.
·        Students will learn how the decomposition of salmon within rivers impacts forest ecosystems.
National Science Education Standards:
Life Science
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of
  • The characteristics of organisms
  • Life cycles of organisms
  • Organisms and environments
Content Standard C: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of
  • Structure and function in living systems
  • Reproduction and heredity
  • Regulation and behavior
  • Populations and ecosystems
  • Diversity and adaptations of organisms
Content Standard C: As a result of tier activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
  • The cell
  • Molecular basis of heredity
  • Biological evolution
  • Interdependence of organisms
  • Matter, energy, an organization in living systems
  • Behavior of organisms
Alaska State Standards:
Concepts of Life Science
A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, facts, evidence, systems, and processes of life science.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of how science explains changes in life forms over time, including genetics, heredity, the process of natural selection, and biological evolution;
  • Develop an understanding of the structure function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms; and 
  • Develop an understanding that all organisms are linked to each other and their physical environments through the transfer and transformation of matter and energy.

Unit 4. Weather, Wind and Air
Lesson Plan 1. “Weather Watch”
Summary: Students will investigate the weather systems that affect the Chugach region. What activities are affected by the weather in the communities? Students will also examine some of the ways that the Chugach tribes predict the weather and what the weathermen are. Students will also investigate the activities related to drying and smoking fish and game.
Learning objectives:
  • Students will observe the weather.
  • Students will identify clouds.
  • Students will understand how seasons occur
  • Students will report how weather and seasons are important in Alutiiq culture.
  • Students will examine weather effects on local plants and animals.
National Science Educations Standards:
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties of earth materials
  • Objects in the sky
  • Changes in earth and sky
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Structure of the earth system
  • Earth’s history
  • Earth in the solar system
Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Energy in the earth system
  • Geochemical cycles
  • Origin and evolution of the earth system
  • Origin and evolution of the universe
Alaska State Standards:
Concepts of Earth Science: A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, processes, theories, models, evidence, and systems of earth and space sciences.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of Earth’s geochemical cycles;
  • Develop an understanding of the origins, ongoing processes, and forces that shape the structure, composition, and physical history of the Earth;
  • Develop an understanding of the cyclical changes controlled by energy from the sun and by Earth’s position and motion in our solar system; and
  • Develop an understanding of the theories regarding the origin and evolution of the universe.

Unit 5. Physical Science Principles in Everyday Life
Lesson Plan 1. “NYO’s – What Goes Up, Must Come Down”
Summary: Students will learn about the basics of gravity and force. Students will examine what the Alaska Native Games are and practice them. Students will also measure the forces and results of these practices, and think about what forces are affecting each activity. 
Learning Objectives:
  • Students will learn the Native Youth Olympic (NYO) games.
  • Students will understand that forces of nature affect the activities in the NYO games.
National Science Education Standards
Physical Science
Content Standard B: As a result of the activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties of objects and materials
  • Position and motion of objects
  • Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism
Content Standard B: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties and changes of properties in matter
  • Motions and forces
  • Transfer of energy
Content Standard B: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure of properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motions and forces
  • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder
  • Interactions of energy and matter.
Alaska State Standards:
Concepts of Physical Science: A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, universal principles, and facts that explain the physical world.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of the characteristic properties of matter and the relationship of these properties to their structure and behavior;
  • Develop an understanding that energy appears in different forms, can be transformed from one form to another, can be transferred or moved from one place or system to another, may be unavailable for use, and is ultimately conserved;
  • Develop an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy, including physical, chemical, and nuclear changes, and the effects of these interactions on physical systems; and
  • Develop an understanding of motions, forces, their characteristics and relationships, and natural forces and their effects.

Lesson Plan 2. “Can you hear me? Bentwood Hats”
Summary: Students will learn about sound and sound waves, and how traditional Alutiiq bentwood hats amplify sound.  Students will make bentwood hats of different materials and sizes, and try and test them out. Students will also learn about the other qualities of Alutiiq bentwood hats.
Learning Objectives:
  • Students will understand that sound is a form of energy that travels in waves referred to as compression waves and understand that sound waves can travel through different mediums, e.g. solids, liquids, and gases.
  • Students will also learn and observe that sound waves travel in a given direction until an outside force or object gets in the way of its motion and reflects it.
  • Students will report why the seal hunters used traditional Alutiiq bentwood hats.
National Science Education Standards
Physical Science
Content Standard B: As a result of the activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties of objects and materials
  • Position and motion of objects
  • Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism
Content Standard B: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Properties and changes of properties in matter
  • Motions and forces
  • Transfer of energy
Content Standard B: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure of properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motions and forces
  • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder
  • Interactions of energy and matter.
Alaska State Standards:
Concepts of Physical Science: A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, universal principles, and facts that explain the physical world.
A student who meets the content standard should:
  • Develop an understanding of the characteristic properties of matter and the relationship of these properties to their structure and behavior;
  • Develop an understanding that energy appears in different forms, can be transformed from one form to another, can be transferred or moved from one place or system to another, may be unavailable for use, and is ultimately conserved;
  • Develop an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy, including physical, chemical, and nuclear changes, and the effects of these interactions on physical systems; and
  • Develop an understanding of motions, forces, their characteristics and relationships, and natural forces and their effects.


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