Alaska-Based Science.

Geology

There is no better place to learn and study geology than in Alaska. The Alaska-centered course includes:

• Geology field methods

• Nature Journaling

• Topographic Maps

• Geologic Time

• Plate Tectonics

• Mountain Building

• Earthquakes

• Volcanoes

• Glacial Geology

• Weathering & Erosion

• Alaska’s Geologic History

Course includes field trip guides for the following locations:

• Summit of Flattop

• Rabbit Lake

• Kincaid Sand Dunes

• Portage Pass to Portage Lake

• Crow Pass

• Williwaw Lakes

• Eagle & Symphony Lakes

• Bodenburg Butte

• Knik Glacier & Lake George National Natural Landmark

• 1964 Earthquake Tour

• Whittier: Tsunami Risks

• Resurrection Bay

To conclude, a list of potential final projects on the geologic history of Alaska, current issues pertaining to Alaska geology, and deep dives into topics of interest.

Environmental Science

Environmental science and climate change are relevant to life in Alaska. Topics for this semester-long course include:

• Keeping a field journal

• Nature Journaling

• Elements of Ecosystems

• Relationships within Ecosystems

• Alaska’s Biomes

• Natural Resources

• Climate Change in Alaska

Course includes field trip guides for the following locations:

• Rabbit Lake

• Glen Alps

• Kincaid Park

• Eagle River Nature Center

• Arctic Valley

• Potters Marsh

• Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

• Knik Glacier & Lake George National Natural Landmark

• Byron Glacier Trail (Portage Valley)

• Tonsina Point & Caines Head Trail (Seward)

In addition to reading, writing, nature journaling, and art exercises, there will be a variety of application projects. These include establishing a compost system at home, starting an organic garden, or getting involved in Alaska Youth for Environmental Action.

The final project will be to design a solution to a wicked problem. A wicked problem is defined as an issue that his highly resistant to resolution as it is difficult to clearly define, socially complex, and expand beyond the responsibility of any one organization. Examples of wicked problems include climate change, the growing disconnect between children and nature, energy use, food systems, biodiversity collapse, water quality issues, and pollution.