Module Four was all about the power of the planet. The kind of power shown through cataclysmic events (earthquakes, volcanos, and tsunamis) and the kind of power students from Alaska can relate to.
When growing up in Alaska it is easy to experience the power of our planet. (Almost a right-of-passage.) I can vividly recall memories of hiding under a desk in a shaking classroom as I used the earthquake safety procedures I had learned in elementary school. Learning about nature and cataclysmic events takes people that are wiling to pass along personal stories and/or relative knowledge. I believe that through these experiences students can learn more in-depth about our planet and its people.
I enjoyed the way that this module taught lessons about cataclysmic events in different methods. There was the obvious scientific approach shown in videos and interactivities, which added to the accessibility of the concepts. There were stories shared by locals and witnesses from the affected areas, which was more centered around the native ways of knowing and teaching. There was also information on local events and lessons about what to expect in the future, which allowed more of a personal connection to the material. All these ways of presenting this module helped me to see the different ways of teaching a concept like this to my students.
Extend:
As for using this Module in my classroom, there are many obvious connections to teaching Earth Sciences with more meaning, engagement, and reach. The videos were great and provide a better way to view the material from different ways of learning. The lesson on using scales to navigate through Google Earth could prove to be a cool lesson in my Mathematics classes as students learn about ploting points and spacial understanding.
Evaluate:
Another excellent Module to learn from and provide heaps of resources and excitement to bring to my classroom. I especially enjoyed the Tsunami simulations on Lituya Bay.
I also found it interesting to watch a few of the other videos (like the one below) that showed what the area looks like now.
Overall this was a very cool Module that I am looking forward to sharing.
