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

• Main Authors: 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

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.