Lesson Plan: Discovering Alaska's Coastal Beauty: Biking Tour along the Alaskan Coast
Lesson Plan: Discovering Alaska's Coastal Beauty: Biking Tour along the Alaskan Coast
Grade Level: 6-8
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will gain a deeper understanding of Alaska's coastal ecosystem and the importance of environmental conservation through a virtual biking tour along the Alaskan coast. Students will develop their research skills, map reading skills, and critical thinking abilities while exploring the natural wonders of Alaska.
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.C: Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
Materials:
- Access to the internet or library resources
- Paper and pencils
- Maps of Alaska's coastal areas
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of coastal ecosystems and their unique characteristics.
- Show images or videos of Alaska's stunning coastline to capture students' interest and curiosity.
2. Research and Discussion (15 minutes):
- Instruct students to research and find information about the Alaskan coast, its diverse wildlife, and the environmental challenges it faces.
- Encourage students to explore topics such as the impact of climate change, the importance of conservation efforts, and the significance of the coastal ecosystem for local communities.
- Allow students to discuss their findings in small groups or pairs.
3. Virtual Biking Tour Preparation (15 minutes):
- Explain the concept of a virtual biking tour and its benefits for learning about different locations.
- Provide students with maps of Alaska's coastal areas and highlight the route they will be "biking" along.
- Instruct students to imagine themselves on a virtual biking tour and ask them to identify points of interest they would like to explore further.
4. Virtual Biking Tour (60 minutes):
- Conduct the virtual biking tour using online resources or interactive presentations.
- Guide students through various points of interest along the Alaskan coast, discussing the unique features, wildlife, and environmental challenges of each location.
- Encourage students to take notes and ask questions during the tour.
5. Reflective Writing and Discussion (10 minutes):
- After completing the virtual biking tour, have students individually write a short reflection on their experience.
- Prompt students to reflect on what they've learned about Alaska's coastal ecosystem, the importance of environmental conservation, and the impact of human activities on coastal areas.
- Allow students to share their reflections with the class and engage in a group discussion on the significance of preserving and protecting coastal ecosystems.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.C
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile-long trail along the coast of Anchorage, Alaska designated for non-motorized use. The trail runs from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage and finishes in Kincaid Park. The trail is entirely paved, supports two-way traffic, and connects with the Chester Creek Trail.
