Science 7 -- Ecosystem Shift: Ice (Indigenous Knowledge Lesson Plan)

This lesson meets cross-curricular outcomes for Science 7 and Social Studies 7. Students will learn about Indigenous knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in the Mackenzie River Basin, which is within the circumpolar region, including how Indigenous peoples track changes over time related to seasonal i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Karsgaard, Carrie; Mackay, Mackenzie; Catholique, Alexandria
Other Authors: Parlee, Brenda
Format: Course Material
Language:English
Published: 2020
Subjects:
Indigenous knowledge
freshwater ecosystems
climate change
ice freeze-up and break-up
impact of human activities on environment
tracking changes
Mackenzie River
Mackenzie river
Online Access:https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/0caf4b6d-bc61-4135-884e-655b488d0041
https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-bmzg-8543
Description
Summary:This lesson meets cross-curricular outcomes for Science 7 and Social Studies 7. Students will learn about Indigenous knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in the Mackenzie River Basin, which is within the circumpolar region, including how Indigenous peoples track changes over time related to seasonal ice freeze-up and melt. The change in warmer winters and shifting seasons caused by human activities over the past couple of decades is becoming more noticeable. One key change is in the timing and predictability of ice freeze-up and melt. Students will learn the significant relationship between humans and the ecosystems of which they are part, including the consequences of human activities on the environment. This lesson introduces students to the implications/consequences of human activities and how these changes have been noticed and recorded, by sharing important quotes from Elders, land users, and community members who have noticed shifts in ice patterns.

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