| The following are fish related curricula that have been used in
elementary and secondary school systems from Bristol Bay, to Alaska,
Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. Many programs are designed to integrate
the tools and skills learned in various such as math, science, social
studies, and language arts to provide students with practical knowledge
so they can better their environment, local economy and themselves.
Marine Fisheries Curriculum for a One Semester Marine Fisheries
Course for High School Students:
Grade 9-12
Today, Bristol Bay students have incredible opportunities to enter
the Bering Sea fisheries through the Community Development Quotas
system (CDQs). For local people to take full advantage of those
opportunities, a curriculum was designed to develop fisheries education.
Although the curriculum was built around the Y-K Delta fishery,
Mickelson's lessons would slip nicely into Bristol Bay school systems.
But good educational framework and legislative fishing quotas are
not the only factors for success. As Mickelson stresses, "the
most important component for a school fisheries program is strong
community support, together with the enthusiasm of students, teachers,
administration, and school board."
The Marine Fisheries Curriculum classes are designed to train students
for a variety of careers from cannery administrators to fishing
boat captains to fish biologists. The activities are designed to
be interdisciplinary with language arts, science, math, and social
studies so students can earn cross-credits. Gender equality, science,
and local village knowledge is emphasized throughout the lessons.
Since fishing is the nation's most dangerous occupation, water safety
is also stressed. According to Mickelson, field trips "are
the traditional Native way of learning and the core of marine and
fisheries vocational program." They are ultimate in learning
by doing. Therefore, field trips are included in the lesson plans
to reinforce skills and make studies more realistic.
The Curriculum Framework provides a detailed list of 17 lesson
plans for one semester. Each lesson plan provides information on
the subject, applied credit, duration, objectives, background, vocabulary
and terms, materials, resources, and procedures. For example, the
lesson plan for Hooked on Fishing by Steve W. Hackett states that
the lesson subject is Traditional Fishing with Hook and Line. It
can be crossed credited with Social Studies and Language Arts. The
class duration is one to two weeks, or five to ten class periods
with one 3-4 hour outside activity. Objectives for the class state
that a student will research, interview, and report on local traditional/historic
methods of fishing both summer and winter using hook and line. And
students will organize and sponsor a school-wide weekend or week
long fishing derby in which students fish during a specific times,
on weekends or before and after school.
The lesson describes the history of fishing by hook and line, basically
explaining why it is important for students to learn about this
fishing technique. An example of the vocabulary list includes "jig",
"knots", "swivel", and "treble hook."
Materials that are used in the class include fishline, jigging gear,
string and twine to name a few. Resources included in the lesson
are Fisheries of the North Pacific by Robert Browning and Developmental
Yupik Language Program. Finally, the lesson plan provides a 12-step
procedure list on how to teach the class. If fieldtrips are recommended
in the lesson, the fisheries Curriculum Booklet provides suggestions,
checklists and sample permission forms. Mickelson also provides
teachers great suggestions for beginning a fisheries program, important
teaching techniques, a contact list, a comprehensive bibliography,
glossary, equipment list and other important post-graduation information.
CONTACT: Belle Mickelson, Lower Kuskokwim School District, in Bethel
Alaska. Credit for development of this program goes to Harold Sparcks.
Yukon-Koyukuk School District Jimmy Huntington School (JHS)
Fisheries Project, 1993
Grade K-12
The JHS Fisheries Project is an extension of a science integration
project that began in 1991. Its purpose is to make science a culturally
significant learning experience. The JHS Fisheries Project is a
model which continues the development of other integrated science
units.
Kindergarten/First Grade
Students learn about the primary environment, physiology and effect
of pollution on whitefish; parts of the writing process through
the study of fish; problem-solving skills, use whitefish to learn
counting and grouping of numbers; and use fish to develop artistic
expression.
Second, Third, and Fourth Grade
Students learn about the environment, anatomy and physiology of
Northern Pike. They utilize all phases of the writing process and
construct and analyze graphs.
Fifth and Sixth Grade
Students learn to explain the life process, anatomy and physiology
of salmon. They learn how salmon is relevant to their culture. They
utilize all phases of writing and improve math skills.
Junior and Senior High School
Social Studies/Alaska Studies
Students receive two assignments: First, they research and write
a 5-page paper that is complete with bibliography and footnotes.
Second, they compose 2 riddles in Athabascan that relate to fisheries.
Mathematics
Students collect data at fish research sites, write word problems,
fraction problems, and percentages to analyze the data.
Vocational Education
Students learn the nutritional value of fish, prepare fish for cooking,
prepare fish recipes, and preserve fish for future use.
Fisheries Science
The different techniques used in fishing and experience setting
a fishnet under the ice, develop map skills and practice orienteering,
learn tools used in the fishing industry, explore occupations which
are related to the Alaska fishing industry.
Art
Create a tissue paper mosaic to accompany the language arts report
on a fish.
Language Arts
Writing letters to information sources, utilize all parts of the
writing process by writing a formal research paper on local fish,
complete with a bibliography, practice group-editing skills.
Native American Literature
Editing and revising skills on research papers and reports, write
poetry about fish in the limerick and haiku form, read the YKSD
biography series to discover the role fishing plays in their culture.
Physical Science
Students explore the role of light reflection, refraction, and diffraction
in water to understand how it affects fishing techniques and fish
camouflage.
Biology
Students compare and contrast fish with other types of vertebrates.
They learn the external adaptations of fish to the water environment
and the internal anatomy of fish, and compare it to human anatomy.
Each student plans and completes and independent investigation into
some aspect of fisheries. When the investigation is completed, students
write formal reports based on the scientific method, and create
displays for the Family Science Night. Students utilize local sources
whenever possible.
Environmental Science
Students study environmental processes and problems to understand
how fish habitats may be affected. Students plan an imaginary itinerary
to a National Park to investigate fish resources there. Each student
plans and completes an independent investigation into some aspect
of fisheries. When the investigation is complete, the student writes
a formal report based on the scientific method, and creates a display
for the Family Science Night.
CONTACT: Michele Bifelt P.O. Box 69 Huslia AK 99746
Suggested Activities for Integrating Fisheries into Classrooms
Grade 6-12
Organized for Southwest Alaska regional schoolteachers, this expanded
perspective offers possibilities for integrating fish education
into the classroom. For example, suggested activities include a
visit to a cannery or a trip tagging fish with a biologist. Good
premise but needs more development. May be useful for a local teacher
brainstorming ideas for fishery related lesson plans or field trips.
CONTACT: Bristol Bay School District in Naknek, Alaska
I Am Salmon: An Exploration of Salmon and Self Grade K-12
I AM Salmon is an educator's collection of resources and activities
for the interdisciplinary study and appreciation of watersheds and
people of the North Pacific Rim. I Am Salmon, however, is not intended
to serve as a formal curriculum guide. Rather it is a collection
of resources with which to mount your class's collective journeys.
The materials come from an array of sources: books, public information
documents, technical reports and observations, written and oral
interviews. I Am Salmon organizers encourage teachers to add to,
delete or modify the materials to suit the specific needs. For example,
in Bristol Bay I Am Salmon lessons can focus on Yupik/Aleut/Athabascan
culture instead of Tlingit and Northwest Coast cultures. (For an
extensive list of books on the history, culture, and fishing societies
of Bristol Bay and coastal Alaska see the following chapters in
this resource guide.)
I Am Salmon is a broad assortment of suggested activities for students,
both in the classroom and in the field. Designed to correspond to
a phase of human development-Childhood, adolescence, adulthood,
and elder years-I Am Salmon programs are divided into four parts:
From Egg to Alevin teaches young students about science, social
relationships, and humanities using the birth of the salmon as a
focal point. From Fry to Smolt teaches students about ecology, storytelling
and history using the salmon's life in the streams as a focal point.
The Ocean Adventure teaches students, both physical and natural
science, literature and economics using the migration of the smolt
as a focal point. The Way Home teaches students survival skills
and tests of endurance. They learn about the interconnectedness
of the ecosystem. They read poetry written about life and death,
and study traditional dance, art and music.
I Am Salmon is a non-traditional way of teaching. It is abstract,
but if a teacher uses his/her imagination, it can be a very successful
program for Bristol Bay. By following the cycle of migrating salmon,
students can learn about the larger themes of life-birth, death,
transformation-and an understanding of ones place in southwest Alaska
and the world.
CONTACT: David G. Gordon, Science Writer Office of Marine Environmental
& Resource Programs at the Washington Sea Grant Program University
of Washington, Box 3555060 Seattle, Washington. Tel: 206-685-8191,
fax 206-685-0380. Online at: http://www.wsg.washington.edu . Other
contacts include Frank Hill and Nora Dougneuer.
Kodiak School District's Fisheries Science Curriculum
Grade 10-12
The Kodiak High School plans to implement this plan over the next
four years. The Kodiak Island School District owns a 42-ft. seiner,
which they use as a floating classroom. Students who finish the
program receive an Alaska Marine Safety Education Certificate.
Students who participate fully in the Fisheries Program are able
to demonstrate competency in the following employability and leadership
skills: technical reading and writing, identifying careers/employment
opportunities, work ethic and job maturity, following verbal and
written directions, transferable skills in computer literacy, effective
problem solving, effective written directions, transferable skills
in computer literacy, effective problem solving, effective written
and oral communication, planning and organizing work. Specific program
outcomes include: completing Coast Guard safety training, including
First Aid and Adult CPR, demonstrating knowledge of business as
it pertains to employment in maritime industries, completing the
classroom portion of Coast Guard licensing requirements as applicable
to the individual, basic boat handling and seamanship skills, knowledge
of political, economics, and environmental issues as they relate
to fisheries, and a basic understanding of vessel systems.
Classes include Marine and Wilderness Safety Training, Crewmanship/Seamanship,
Fisheries Science, Marine Maintenance, Coast Guard Licensing, Fishing
Business, Cooperative Work Experience, and Independent Studies.
CONTACT: Jane Maria Eisemann at Kodiak High School Fisheries Science
722 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615
Lake and Peninsula School District Grade 9-12
This program was developed to teach students all aspects of the
Commercial Fishing Industry. Classes teach students the commercial
and noncommercial usage of local fish species. They learn the various
types of commercial harvesting gear. They study the history and
the structure of fish processing such as transportation and canneries.
They gain skills that will help them learn domestic and international
marketing. Students are taught the elements of fisheries management
such as research, escapement/harvesting and regulation. The are
exposed to career opportunities in fishing, from processing, management
to support services. They learn to fill out applications, gain skills
in accounting and learn to assess the confusing tax system. Students
are informed on future issues concerning new technology, habitat,
and politics.
CONTACT: The Lake and Peninsula School District for more information.
Tlingit Moon & Tide: Native Science in Education by
Dolly Garza Grade 1-6
The Moon & Tide curriculum combines Alaska Native science with
ecological understanding for the classroom and shows teachers how
to present local and ecosystem knowledge held by long-time inhabitants
of Southeast Alaska. Their goal is to increase the self-esteem of
Native students who traditionally perform low in science, and introduce
students to this type of knowledge. It includes several activities
for studying moon phases and tides, and addresses science teaching
standards, inviting elders to the classroom, and Native languages
and legends. With a little research and creativity, lesson in Moon
& Tide can be adapted to Southwestern Native cultures.
CONTACT: University of Alaska Sea Grant University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 755040 Fairbanks, AK 99775-5040. Tel: (888) 789-0090.
Aquatic Project Wild Grade K-12
Projects wild is an interdisciplinary, supplementary conservation
and environmental education program. The goal of Project Wild is
to provide wildlife-based environmental education that fosters responsible
actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. Project Wild
will assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge,
skills, and commitment that will result in informed decision, responsible
behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
CONTACT: Robin A. Dublin, Project Wild Coordinator, 333 Raspberry
Road Anchorage, AK 99518. (907) 276-2168 or email robin_dublin@fishgame.state.ak.us
Salmonids in the Classroom
Grades K-4
In this lower elementary level curriculum guide, kids learn about
salmon and trout through the story of Chucky Chum (a knowledgeable
salmon). Chucky takes students on a journey through his life cycle,
from egg to spawning adult. Contains step-by-step teaching strategies,
information on salmon biology, handouts, integrated student activities,
science projects, and reference section.
Grade 4-8
This upper elementary/junior high level study of salmonids is divided
into three units based on the life cycle (biology and habitat),
harvesting and enhancement. Also includes relevant background information,
student activities and handouts, integrated activities, science
projects and reference section.
CONTACT: BC Teachers Federation #100-550 W. 6th Ave. Vancouver,
Canada V5Z 4P2. Tel:(604) 871-2283. BC Teachers Federation also
has a catalog that describes their other excellent salmonid materials.
Guide to Fisheries Education Resources for Grades K-12
The Youth Education Committee under the Education Section of the
American Fisheries Society (AFS) was formed in 1994 to "advise
the AFS to the fishery resources in the United States and Canada"
and "to engage in activities leading to the development of
recommendations to the AFS so that it may make effective contributions
to formal and non-formal aquatic resources (both freshwater and
marine)education." To meet this charge, committee members are
selected to represent formal and non-formal education experience;
and state agency, provincial ministry, university, and private industry
interests. Visit their website at www.fisheries.org
Helping Kids Succeed--Alaska Style by the Association of
Alaska School Boards, 1998
Helping Kids Succeed aids teachers in building and measuring assets,
ideas, parent and family involvement, school and institutions, communities,
teens, and organizations. Plus, Helping Kids includes an extensive
list of references and resources. Highly recommended by Alaska Libraries
Association. For more information, contact Dereck Peterson, Director
of Child Youth Advocacy Association of Alaska School Boards. 316
W. 11th St., Juneau, AK 99801.
Our Living Oceans
Prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
(NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, Our Living Oceans reports
on the status of US living marine resources up to 1999. It is intended
to provide an overview of and a perspective on a very complex subject.
Good background resource for science and biology teachers. May also
be a good resource for students writing term papers on the subject.
To order call (202) 512-1800 or Online at https://orders.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/sale/prf/prf.html.
An online version of this publication is available at http://spo.nwr.noaa.gov/olo99.htm.
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission: Salmon Information
PSMFC is an inter-state coordinating group authorized by Congress
in 1943 to provide a means for state coordination in research, data
gathering, fish management, and education. To promote the conservation,
development and management of Pacific coast fishery resources, the
Commission has put together a packet of Articles and Facts to inform
residents of how their lives are connected to those of the Pacific
Salmon. Many of the articles reflect how the media is a powerful
mechanism to reach the public. Not only is this a good resource
for fisheries studies, it can also be used in Journalism and other
media classes. To order packet, contact Randy Fisher at (503) 650-5400.
Teaching Eskimo Culture to Eskimo Students: A Special Program
for Secondary Schools in Bristol Bay by Gary Holthaus
Although this unpublished proposal to the Alaska Department of
Education was written in 1968, it remains one of the best resources
that covers Bristol Bay geography, history and Teaching Eskimo Culture
Aglemiut-Aleut culture. Once a high school teacher in Naknek, Holthaus
wrote this book to provide a tool for teachers to help their students
overcome the barrier of cultural and geographical isolation. It
is also meant to aid teachers who lack information about the local
geography, history, industry, and culture. At times Teaching Eskimo
Culture is dated, but regardless, this manuscript (especially the
introduction) should be required for every Bristol Bay teacher.
Copies can be borrowed from Adelheid Herrmann. Contact (907) 246-8332
for more information.
The Power of Place: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Thoughts,
Emotions, and Actions by Winfred Gallagher
All of us are profoundly affected--often without being aware of
it--by the many places, indoors and out, in which we spend our lives.
The Power of Place explores why rugged individualists are drawn
to extreme climes such as Alaska, how nature can restore us, and
how light deprivation influences our moods. With a renewed scientific
interest in behavioral effects of the environment, Power Of Place
yields insights about how we can best live in the world and such
places like rural Alaska.
The Seaside Naturalist: A guide to Nature Study at the Seashore
by Deborah A. Coulombe
This valuable resources book offers many of the features of a field
guide plus important marine biology concepts. You can explore and
enjoy the seaside while learning fascinating facts about such living
organisms as sponges, jellyfish, mollusks, whales, urchins, and
puffins. The Seaside Naturalist is an ideal companion for nature
lovers and beachcombers of all ages.
Wild Salmon: The Upstream Struggle
Want ideas on how to build your own salmon exhibit? See how the
California Academy of Sciences and the University of California
Bodega Marine Laboratory designed a 500 square foot salmon exhibit.
The exhibit uses the story of the decline of wild salmon to illustrate
how salmon, people and other species depend on healthy watersheds.
Good ideas to enhance public and student understanding and appreciation
of the importance of wild salmon watersheds. For more information
on Salmon Exhibits contact California Academy of Sciences, Golden
Gate Park, San Francisco, California, 94118-4599 or Adelheid Herrmann
at (907) 246-8332.
Thanks to Adelheid Herrmann for the original compilation of
the resources used in creating this document.
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