Gates of the Artic

Katmia National Park

           Alaska has history, legends, and mystery that have fascinated Americans for many years.  The North to Alaska Unit will cover the history, people, and culture of Alaska with a special focus on the Iditarod dog sled race.  Students will appreciate God’s awesome and amazing power by experiencing Alaska’s beauty and size during this integrated fifth grade unit.  The unit will incorporate history, science, math, language arts, and literature into a two-week study.

            God is wonderful and has made a breathtaking creation. Alaska is a creation that can be forgotten due to its remote location and unstudied civilization.  This unit on Alaska will enable students to capture a glimpse of the diversity and beauty in God’s creation. Students will be equipped to become better disciples of Christ by gaining a better understanding of the world that God has created.  In this unit students will also see how the Fall and the sin of man has affected the people, land, and animals in Alaska.  As the students become aware of pollution and destruction of the Natural Parks, they will realize how to help the people in Alaska redeem God’s creation.  Studying Alaska with the Fall and Redemption in mind will help students reflect on their own brokenness and need for salvation in the area in which they live.

            Another main goal of this unit is to teach the students about diversity present in North America.  Students may not understand how diverse the United States truly is.  As citizens of our country, students must be aware of their country.  Students should stand in awe of the variety of aspects in God’s creation of different people and different places.  In the Middle School grades, students are moving out of egocentric tendencies and are becoming more aware of the differences between themselves and others.  Having a better understanding of different cultures helps students appreciate others and understand themselves better as Christians.

            The unit will focus on the Iditarod dog sled race.  Students will have the opportunity to experience the race through an interactive game.  The students will also study the people groups, state history, government, and the environment of Alaska