Lesson 1

What are the Northern Lights?
Date: 09/25/09            Lead Teacher: Richard Keinz                                                                               

Goal/Objective: After this lesson, the student will understand the concept of
latitude and how the positioning of Denali National Park effects the view of
the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. 

Description: Discussion is focused on how everyday life is effected by geographical
location. Latitude is explained as the left to right measurement cutting the world
into horizontal strips which helps to pinpoint coordinates. This is important in a
place like Denali National Park where there are few mainstream sources of transportation.
Being that far north makes it very easy to see the Northern Lights at certain times
of the year. The Lesson is wrapped up by performing a mini-Northern Lights
demonstration of the solar flares, chemicals, and the earth's atmosphere represented
by household objects.



Lesson 2

What is it like to live in the Arctic?

Date: 10/01/09            Lead Teacher: Kylie Stecker

Goal/Objective: Students will understand the culture
and lifestyle of the Inuit Native Americans of the Arctic.
Students will value the respect and love the Inuit
Native Americans have for nature.

Description: Discussion will focus around the major themes
of life and how they handle those situations in the Arctic.
The various areas include language, diet, transportation,
and clothing. Any word in English or Inuktitut will be compiled
into an ABC chart that displays the vocabulary words learned.



Lesson 3

Has the park always been known as Denali?

Date: 10/08/09            Lead Teacher: Richard Keinz

Goal/Objective: To gain an understanding of how the park
originated and how it has progressed into the National Park today.

Description: The team should research some important dates in the
history of the park. From those researched dates, they will compile
a Denali National Park Time line to show the development from a
mountain into a National Park.



Lesson 4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Date: 10/ 15/09             Lead Teacher: Kylie Stecker
What does it take to climb Mt. Denali?

Goal/Objective: The students will learn what it takes to climb
the highest mountain in North America, Mt. Denali.

Description: The students will use the information discussed
about rock climbing to make their own survival kit.
This survival kit includes necessary tools and equipment to
survive the climb. Furthermore, the concept of teamwork or
working together to accomplish a goal is emphasized.




Lesson 5

Is the Iditarod just a race in Alaska?

Date: 10/22/09            Lead Teacher: Richard Keinz

Goal/Objective: To understand how the race was started,
how it impacts the surrounding areas, and why there is a
race held in such a cold region.

Description: We will discuss some Iditarod rules and
requirements along with gear and supplies. A map
activity demonstrates directionality and how the race
course alternates annually.