ERIC Number: ED451986
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001
Reference Count: N/A
Handbook for Culturally Responsive Science Curriculum.
The Alaska Science Consortium, the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative (AKRSI), and the Alaska Department of Education have collaborated on developing standards-based, culturally relevant science curricula that effectively integrate indigenous and Western knowledge. This handbook is designed to assist teachers in developing and teaching culturally responsive science curricula. After an initial explanation of the characteristics, strengths, and difficulties associated with culturally responsive science curricula, the guide suggests that much common ground is shared by traditional Native knowledge and Western science and discusses the implications of integrating the two. A chapter is devoted to each of four factors to be considered by developers of culturally relevant science curricula: cultural relevance, best practices, state standards, and assessment. Areas covered include how to involve Elders in the classroom, topics of cultural significance, cultural standards, guidelines for standards-based units, correlating local knowledge with science standards, how to adapt topics to standards, traditional Yup'ik learning, sharing knowledge, integrated study, and promising assessment strategies. Appendices present the AKRSI unit-building assessment rubric and sample units on lure construction and ice fishing with elder involvement, winds, and weather. Each unit identifies grade level, context, AKRSI region, cultural and academic standards, and skills and knowledge addressed, and presents lessons and activities. (TD)
Descriptors: Academic Standards, Alaska Natives, American Indian Education, Culturally Relevant Education, Curriculum Development, Elementary Secondary Education, Indigenous Knowledge, Integrated Curriculum, Science Curriculum, Science Education, State Standards, Teaching Guides, Yupik
For full text: http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/UNITS/index.html.
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners; Teachers
Sponsor: National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA.
Authoring Institution: Alaska Univ., Fairbanks. Alaska Native Knowledge Network.
Identifiers - Location: Alaska