Lesson: Defending the Arctic

Write the word refuge on a digital or physical classroom board. Discuss the word’s meaning (a place or situation providing safety or shelter). Then write “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)” on the board. Explain that the refuge is a vast wilderness area in Alaska. Brainstorm reasons why ANWR is protected. If students don’t raise the point, explain that this refuge is important to Indigenous people, the Gwich’in.

Read the article aloud. Ask students to consider why this area is of particular significance to the Gwich’in, such as how they rely on resources from the land and the importance of the land to their history and culture. Then share the “What’s the Story?” skills sheet for students to complete. When they are done, discuss the 5 W’s and an H (who, what, when, where, why, and how). Next, watch the video “Quannah Chasinghorse.” Discuss the importance of ANWR to Quannah and the Gwich’in tribe. Ask students to think of a place that is important to them, their family, or their heritage. Let students share their connections to these places. Some locations may have religious, social, or cultural importance to students, so be sure to create a respectful environment. Remind students to be thoughtful with their comments and questions. Encourage students to complete the learning extensions (available online at the end of the scrollable article) to learn more about their local surroundings.

Share and discuss the post-reading prompt: Describe two ways the Gwich’in are being negatively affected by climate change. Have students complete the “Threats to the Arctic” skills sheet to describe more cause-and-effect relationships.

Ask students what visuals in the article and video showed characteristics of the tundra biome (e.g., snow, caribou). Share the “Biome Exploration” skills sheet for students to complete.

Have students complete the article’s “Check for Understanding.” Summarize what students learned about changes to the Arctic ecosystems and how those changes affect the Gwich’in.

⇨ SEL: This lesson plan contains social-emotional learning (SEL) support related to social awareness.

⇨ VIDEO EXTRA: Watch an interview with Quannah, a member of the Gwich’in tribe.