This module is based on animals that inhabit Denali National Park in the heart of Alaska. By placing satellite collars on some of these animals you are able to conduct student centered scientific research by following their movements from your own computer. This project is flexible allowing anyone at anytime to become involved with animals in real life situations. The Project is technology friendly! Anyone at any level of computer literacy can use this module. Come and let the fun of learning begin! Denali National Park & Preserve is centrally located in Alaska. The park contains the tallest mountain in North America (Denali at 20,320 feet), and covers more than 6 million acres. Formerly known as Mt. McKinley and McKinley National Park, the name reverted back to its Athabascan (Native American) name in 1980. The park gets more than 1.6 million visitors annually, who travel from all over the world, to admire Denali's scenic splendor and abundant wildlife. Denali is home to approximately 175 wolves, 250 grizzly bears, 2,000 moose, and 2,800 caribou. By collaring individual animals we are able to make day to day observations and follow the animals' movements without disturbing or interfering with their normal behavior. This allows students the opportunity to conduct research on these animals from computers anywhere. Teachers will find this exciting interdisciplinary module very educational.
Imagine a classroom resource that would open the entire world to each and every
student at any grade,
interest, and ability level. Furthermore, imagine finding that one resource that
could engage every
student through the integration of Math, Science and Technology utilizing animals as the
educational
“hook”. This environmental project based on Denali National Park in Alaska
is that one resource. GIS, GPS, remote sensing and satellite telemetry will permit
students the opportunity to follow daily animal movements/ migrations and learn about
their struggle to survive. The park is an island of biodiversity and has so much to
offer, yet seems so far away. Today, however, through computer technology the
entire world is at your fingertips. Real life global applications can then be
encountered at any grade level and followed with hands-on investigations and activities.
Students become ‘researchers’ as they try to understand this complex and
interesting ecosystem, collect data, and complete scientific research projects based on
animal survival in this harsh environment. The strength of this module is its
appeal, flexibility, interactivity, and interdisciplinary applications. The design
of the module allows students to work on actual situations that are relevant thus giving
them ownership in the project. This environmental module also emphasizes the
academic requirements of meeting new state and federal learning standards. Students are
exposed to the scientific method, research, and the idea of pursuing science as a career!
