Module VI - American Period: Transportation & Communication

Essential Question:  What are issues facing Alaskans today related to transportation and communication?

Renda preparing to unload fuel for Nome.

The issues today are the same ones that have always faced Alaskan inhabitants.  Even with modern advances in technology, there are many obstacles that have been and need to be faced to advance transportation and communication. Some have been overcome to a greater degree than others, but all still create challenges.  The vast size of the state continues to be a factor.  Not just because of the great distances involved, but like most things in today's world there must be an economic reward at the end of the day in order for something new on the horizon to materialize into reality.  Such is the case in most of Alaska.  It must be profitable, or at the very least subsidized by the government, in order to happen. Due to small populations, dollars are lost and not gained when making advances in communications or transportation to much of the state.  Climate/weather conditions, geography, and topography all conspire to create situations and circumstances that are completely foreign to other parts of the country.  Hence the need for federal subsidies that can be fickle and unreliable.  (More on this in the next section of the blog.)

Examine Question: What are the primary communication systems in Alaska today?

The two most commonly used are the postal system and telecommunications.  Each has evolved and developed over time.  Each can be considered a work in progress and as technology advances, the economy fluctuates, and politics stays politics, it is unlikely that the work will ever be considered finished.

Chicken Alaska Post Office

Even with it's rich history of deliveries by boat, dog sled, and eventually airplane, the postal system in Alaska is the center of controversy.  On November 28, 2012, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General released a statement questioning the current feasibility of the Alaska Bypass System.  (Defined in the statement:  "This intra-Alaska system allows businesses in Anchorage and Fairbanks to ship directly to rural customers (usually retail merchants) using a hub-and-spoke system. Major airline carriers take food items and other cargo on pallets to hub airports.  Smaller airline companies or independent pilots then break down these pallets and deliver to remote bush sites.")  The Alaskan delegation, comprised of Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich and Representative Don Young, in turn issued a rebuttal.

AKORN Cable Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.

Telecommunications also has a diverse history in Alaska.  From the telegraph to telephone to radio to television and satellite communications, Alaska has attempted to keep up with the rest of the country.  (AT&T Alaska offers a timeline of communications in Alaska that puts things in perspective.)  Again, the vastness of the state has presented some pretty daunting obstacles.  However, Alaska being the state of ingenuity and resourcefulness has been up for the challenge.  As depicted in the graphic, Alaska Communications Systems (ACS) has finished the Alaska Oregon Network(AKORN) cable project. This new submarine cable starts at Anchorage, Alaska and ends at Florence, Oregon.

Extend Question:  How adequate are the systems in your region of the state?

Considering that most of the Kenai Peninsula is on the road system, communications here are in pretty good shape.  As is shown in the graphic to the left, cell phone service is quite comprehensive, even though from first hand experience there are MANY dead spots.  Also, even as I write this, my son is watching cable TV.  (I must admit that the little bit of March Madness that I have been able to watch was nice to be seen live.)

Down the street from where I live is a large post office.  Another personal glitch in communications occurred when my wife and daughter tried to send my son and I a care package that got destroyed and then was returned to sender.  However, the rest of our mail has arrived unscathed and I will attempt to not hold the loss of the package against the post office even though it contained homemade cookies.

Three Blog Reviews:

Alaskan History:  A Newcomers Perspective
Claire raised some interesting points about the responsibility that comes from exploitation of resources.  Salmon and steelhead resources on the Idaho/Oregon border were lost due to the leap before you look philosophy of hydroelectric generation on the Snake River.

Diane is exploring Alaska
Diane made two statements that really connected with me.  The first was you were right when you said "Because economic barriers stall the building of roads and railroads, people like Carl Ben Eilsen took on the challenge of bring aviation to Alaska. Bless his heart!"  I felt the same way.  The other thing was that even though we think that we are pretty secure, Alaska is not yet a priority for icebreakers.

Learn Alaska or Bust
Chris stated that some Alaskans already feel that too many tax dollars are already being spent on rural areas of the state.  It certainly makes one think.  However, some from the lower 48 might think the same way about Alaska as a whole.

Evaluate:

Map of IRLP nodes in South Central Alaska

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed after reading through this blog.  As a radio amateur (my license plate on my SUV reads K7GRW denoting my call sign) also known as a ham radio operator, I was hoping to read and learn more about ham radio in Alaska.  I know that at least for emergency communications, ham radio has been an essential means of communications in times of disaster.  Even though communications in Alaska have come a long ways since 1964, amateur radio played a big part in relief efforts for the Alaskan earthquake.  Just over a year ago, during the big winter storms that hit the eastern seaboard, the military relied on hams to send and receive critical transmissions because they couldn't get their satellite communications systems to work.  Also, following the Haitian earthquake, ham radio over the internet known as the Internet Relay Linking Project (IRLP) was used extensively for communications.  Even on my trips back and forth to Ninilchik, I have been able to hear other operators all the way from Nome to Houston, Texas through the IRLP.

Module V - American Period: Alaska's Economy

Essential Question:  What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present?

The Three Legs of Alaska's Economy

Alaska's economy is made up of three components.  The significance of each has changed over time, but this is what they currently represent.














The federal government makes up 34%,












the petroleum industry comprises 32%,

and the remaining 34% is everything else combined including fishing,

mining,



timber,

air cargo,

and tourism.

Examine Question:  What were the main reasons for the American purchase of Alaska?

At the time of the purchase of Alaska in 1867, the lower 48 looked pretty much as it does now. The most notable difference was that some of the states were still territories, but the country went from sea to shining sea. This new piece of ground to the northwest was outside, way outside, of that collection of states and territories. However, one of the reasons for the Alaska purchase was to help speed up the process of
obtaining British Columbia. Another reason for acquiring Alaska was to bolster relations with Russia. This was important because Russia was a possible ally against England (who had supported the Confederacy during the Civil War) and France (who had helped set up a stinky dictator in Mexico while the United States was occupied with the Civil War.) Of course an obvious reason for getting Alaska was all the natural bounty that it held, both actually and perceived. Along with this, Alaska was closer to those Asian ports of call which would in turn help the United States economy.


Extend Question:  Describe the economic base for the Kenai Peninsula and share any current issues confronting the local residents.

Economically, there is a lot happening on the Kenai Peninsula.  Most of the economy revolves around gas & oil, commercial fishing, and tourism.  Major issues concerning the economy are salmon run numbers, disposable income levels of tourists to bring outside dollars on to the peninsula, and regulations that affect oil & gas exploration and production.





Three Blog Reviews:

Heather's Alaskan Exploration
Heather did a nice job on her blog.  Great information, pictures, links, and references. Easy to read and interesting.

Peter's Alaska Blog
I liked Peter's combination of pictures and text.  I particularly found your explanation of the "Mailbox Economy" interesting.

Investigate Alaska
I liked Betty's use of pictures and especially her take on and explanation of the Pebble Mine controversy.  We hear a lot about it and it is good to hear a "local's" take on how it will affect the area.

Evaluate:

I found this module interesting.  It helped me understand a little better about how things work here in Alaska.  I see now why big oil companies are treated kind of like your favorite uncle instead of like the big, bad wolf as they are in other parts of the country.  There was also a ton of information to process.  This blog could have been a lot more in depth but it would have taken much more than a week to put together.

Module IV - Russian America

Essential Question:  What was the nature of cultural contact between the Europeans of Russian America and the Natives of Alaska? 

Bering - 1741

Vitus Bering' second voyage to Alaska in 1741 is widely viewed as "the discovery of Alaska."  After that, Russian merchants funded Siberian fur traders to obtain pelts by travelling to islands in the Aleutian chain.  These fur traders held Aleut women and children as hostage forcing the Aleut men to obtain the furs.  Even though not all encounters  between the invaders and the Natives resulted in hostilities, many did because "resistance is futile" to use a Star Trek phrase.  Aside from the violence of these exchanges, diseases brought by the Europeans were the single biggest cause of death among the Natives.

Russian settlement at Three Saints Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska, engraving by Luka Voronin, artist with the Billings Sarychev expedition, 1788–1792 Courtesy Alaska State Library, Wickersham State Historic Sites Photograph Collection

Then in 1796, Czar Paul I chartered the Russian-American Company which gave them exclusive fur trading rights to all parts of Alaska which were under Russian jurisdiction.  In return, the czar's cut is a full one-third.  In search of the almighty ruble, the fur trade continues and expands.

Battle of Sitka by Louis S. Glanzman, 1988

In southeast Alaska, things started well.  The Russians were welcomed by the Tlingit.  However, in 1802 the Tlingit attacked the Sitka post killing up to eighty Russians and Aleuts.  A British ship rescued some of the inhabitants of the post, but charged a fee to get them back.  This uprising was considered a blip on the radar screen and a sizable group of hundreds of Aleuts were sent to Sitka to put a stop to the rebellion.  However, the Tligit had left and built their own fortifications at a more advantageous tactical position.  Unfortunately, with their current weaponry, this was just too much for the Russians.  Fortunately for the Russians, they were assisted by the cannons of the Neva, a ship of the Russian Navy.  Once that happened, the Tlingit retreated.

Later, the Russians came to depend on the Tligit for food.  The supplies from Russia were spendy and unreliable.  They provided the Russians with venison and potatoes, after the Russians taught them how to grow the potatoes.  Overall, the Russians required food from the Tlingit and the labor from the Aleut in order to colonize Alaska.

1860 map of Russian America

In terms of religion, initially the fur traders began teaching the Natives about Christianity.  Then in 1794 the first Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in Alaska.  They stood up for the Native Alaskans.  Even though mistreatment of the Natives was not allowed by the tsar, he was a long ways away and many of the fur traders disregarded his mandate.
Ioann Veniaminov, who was later known as Bishop Innocent, was the first Orthodox bishop in Alaska.  He did a number of things to promote the Natives.  In 1824, he aided Native leaders in developing an alphabet for the Fox Island Aleut language.  He also help translate church writings into the Aleut language and studied and wrote about the Native population and culture.  In 1835, he started learning the Tlingit language and continued his studies and writings of the Native culture.  He helped design and build a cathedral in Sitka and in doing so taught the Natives and Russians alike building skills.

St. George the Great Martyr Russian Orthodox Church demonstrates strong Russian influences from the late 1800s when Aleuts were sent to the Pribilof Islands to hunt sea otters and fur seals by the Russian American Company. (Photo by National Ocean Service, NOAA).

photograph by J. Stephen Conn via Flickr
Church of the Holy Ascension, AK: Completed in 1826, this structure was built by the Russian American Fur Company under the terms of its second charter; this charter required the company to support Russian Orthodox missionaries and establish schools in Russian America. This site is associated with Father Veniaminov, who established a Russian school which operated from 1825 until the early 1860s. Father Veniaminov created a new alphabet, based on the Cyrillic alphabet, for the most widely spoken Aleut dialect. Along with translating the Russian bible into the Aleut language, Father Veniaminov recorded Aleut customs and material culture.

Examine Question: 

What were the major terms of the Treaty of Cession, and specifically, what does the Treaty of Cession state about the indigenous population of Alaska?

The treaty specifies a number of conditions.  First of all, it sets the price of  seven million, two hundred thousand dollars in gold.  It also defines the boundaries of the land to be exchanged; gives the United States government control of all properties, including buildings,(except for privately owned property and church buildings), fortifications and military posts; and says that the Russian troops will get the heck out of Dodge "as soon as may be reasonably and conveniently practicable."

As for the human population, the treaty states that the Russians may return to Russia within three years and if they choose to stay, they are to be made United States citizens with all the rights, protections and privileges afforded to all other citizens.  The indigenous people, however, referred to as "uncivilized tribes" are to be dealt with as the government sees fit.

Treaty of Cession

15 Stat. 539

Treaty concerning the Cession of the Russian Possessions in North America by his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias to the United States of America; Concluded March 30, 1867; Ratified by the United States May 28, 1867; Exchanged June 20, 1867; Proclaimed by the United States June 20, 1867.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Whereas, a treaty between the United States of America and his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias was concluded and signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at the city of Washington, on the thirtieth day of March, last, which treaty, being in the English and French languages, is, word for word, as follows:

The United States of America and his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, being desirous of strengthening, if possible, the good understanding which exists between them, have, for that purpose, appointed as their Plenipotentiaries: the President of the United States, William H. Seward, Secretary of State; and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, the Privy Councillor Edward de Stoeckl his Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States.

And the said Plenipotentiaries, having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in due form, have agreed upon and signed the following articles:

ARTICLE I

His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias agrees to cede to the United States, by this convention, immediately upon the exchange of the ratifications thereof, all the territory and dominion now possessed by his said Majesty on the continent of America and in the adjacent islands, the same being contained within the geographical limits herein set forth, to wit: The eastern limit is the line of demarcation between the Russian and the British possessions in North America, as established by the convention between Russia and Great Britain, of February 28 -16, 1825, and described in Articles III and IV of said convention, in the following terms:

III. "Commencing from the southernmost point of the island called Prince of Wales Island, which point lies in the parallel of 54 degrees 40 minutes north latitude, and between the 131st and the 133d degree of west longitude (meridian of Greenwich,) the said line shall ascend to the north along the channel called Portland channel, as far as the point of the continent where it strikes the 56th degree of north latitude; from this last-mentioned point, the line of demarcation shall follow the summit of the mountains situated parallel to the coast as far as the point of intersection of the 141st degree of west longitude (of the same meridian;) and finally, from the said point of intersection, the said meridian line of the 141st degree, in its prolongation as far as the Frozen ocean.

IV. "With reference to the line of demarcation laid down in the preceding article, it is understood -

"1st. That the island called Prince of Wales Island shall belong wholly to Russia," (now, by this cession, to the United States.)

"2nd. That whenever the summit of the mountains which extend in a direction parallel to the coast from the 56th degree of north latitude to the point of intersection of the 141st degree of west longitude shall prove to be at the distance of more than ten marine leagues from the ocean, the limit between the British possessions and the line of coast which is to belong to Russia as above mentioned (that is to say, the limit to the possessions ceded by this convention) shall be formed by a line parallel to the winding of the coast, and which shall never exceed the distance of ten marine leagues therefrom."

The western limit within which the territories and dominion conveyed, are contained, passes through a point in Behring's straits on the parallel of sixty-five degrees thirty minutes north latitude, at its intersection by the meridian which passes midway between the islands of Krusenstern, or Inaglook, and the island of Ratmanoff, or Noonarbook, and proceeds due north, without limitation, into the same Frozen ocean. The same western limit, beginning at the same initial point, proceeds thence in a course nearly southwest through Behring's straits and Behring's sea, so as to pass midway between the northwest point of the island of St. Lawrence and the southeast point of Cape Choukotski, to the meridian of one hundred and seventy-two west longitude; thence, from the intersection of that meridian, in a southwesterly direction, so as to pass midway between the island of Attou and the Copper island of the Kormandorski couplet or group in the North Pacific ocean, to the meridian of one hundred and ninety-three degrees west longitude, so as to include in the territory conveyed the whole of the Aleutian islands east of that meridian.

ARTICLE II

In the cession of territory and dominion made by the preceding article are included the right of property in all public lots and squares, vacant lands, and all public buildings, fortifications, barracks, and other edifices which are not private individual property. It is, however, understood and agreed, that the churches which have been built in the ceded territory by the Russian government, shall remain the property of such members of the Greek Oriental Church resident in the territory, as may choose to worship therein. Any government archives, papers and documents relative to the territory and dominion aforesaid, which may be now existing there, will be left in the possession of the agent of the United States; but an authenticated copy of such of them as may be required, will be, at all times, given by the United States to the Russian government, or to such Russian officers or subjects as they may apply for.

ARTICLE III

The inhabitants of the ceded territory, according to their choice, reserving their natural allegiance, may return to Russia within three years; but if they should prefer to remain in the ceded territory, they, with the exception of uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all the rights, advantages, and immunities of citizens of the United States, and shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion. The uncivilized tribes will be subject to such laws and regulations as the United States may, from time to time, adopt in regard to aboriginal tribes of that country.

ARTICLE IV

His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias shall appoint, with convenient despatch, an agent or agents for the purpose of formally delivering to a similar agent or agents appointed on behalf of the United States, the territory, dominion, property, dependencies and appurtenances which are ceded as above, and for doing any other act which may be necessary in regard thereto. But the cession, with the right of immediate possession, is nevertheless to be deemed complete and absolute on the exchange of ratifications, without waiting for such formal delivery.

ARTICLE V

Immediately after the exchange of the ratifications of this convention, any fortifications or military posts which may be in the ceded territory shall be delivered to the agent of the United States, and any Russian troops which may be in the territory shall be withdrawn as soon as may be reasonably and conveniently practicable.

ARTICLE VI

In consideration of the cession aforesaid, the United States agree to pay at the treasury in Washington, within ten months after the exchange of the ratifications of this convention, to the diplomatic representative or other agent of his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, duly authorized to receive the same, seven million two hundred thousand dollars in gold. The cession of territory and dominion herein made is hereby declared to be free and unencumbered by any reservations, privileges, franchises, grants, or possessions, by any associated companies, whether corporate or incorporate, Russian or any other, or by any parties, except merely private individual property holders; and the cession hereby made, conveys all the rights, franchises, and privileges now belonging to Russia in the said territory or dominion, and appurtenances thereto.

ARTICLE VII

When this convention shall have been duly ratified by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, on the one part, and on the other by his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, the ratifications shall be exchanged at Washington within three months from the date hereof, or sooner if possible.

In faith whereof, the respective plenipotentiaries have signed this convention, and thereto affixed the seals of their arms.

Done at Washington, the thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.

[SEAL] WILLIAM H. SEWARD
[SEAL] EDOUARD DE STOECKL

And whereas the said Treaty has been duly ratified on both parts, and the respective ratifications of the same were exchanged at Washington on this twentieth day of June, by William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States, and the Privy Counsellor Edward de Stoeckl, the Envoy

Extraordinary of His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, on the part of their respective governments,

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, have caused the said Treaty to be made public, to the end that the same and every clause and article thereof may be observed and fulfilled with good faith by the United States and the citizens thereof.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to beaffixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-first.

[SEAL] ANDREW JOHNSON

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State

Extend Question:
The VILDA website has many more outstanding Alaska and Polar Regions maps. 

• Use the search engine and take a trip back in time with the intrepid Russian and British explorers.
• See if there is one or more maps or images you'd like to post on your blog.

Accurate map of North America : from the latest authorities; including the discoveries of Capt. Cook, and other circum-navigators.  Published in [Clerkenwell, England] by T. Bowen in [1786?].

A map of North America, constructed according to the latest information, 1839.  Included as map 14 in United States atlas: maps and charts accompanying the Case and Counter Case of the United States, by the Alaskan Boundary Tribunal, and published by the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1904.

Three Blog Reviews:

Explore Alaska Class
Nice job of using pictures and links.  Written well and enjoyable to read.

Heather's Alaskan Exploration
The pictures and the text intertwine well.  It makes your blog easy to read and enhances the text.

Exploring Alaska From The Coast
Good point about making this foreign religion accessable by translating it into the native language.  Nice blog.

Evaluate:
Again, once I started studying this module, I got wrapped up in content.  It was interesting to learn about the Russian influence in this period of Alaskan history.  It has whetted my curiousity because we have several "Russian Schools" in our district that even have school calendars that are different than the rest of the district and it just means that I need to learn more about this segment of the district.

Module III - Cultural History

Essential Question:  What is culture?  How can we define it?

The definition given in this module states that culture is "all the life-ways of a group of people, as they identify themselves."  To me, this provides a working framework from which to begin an examination of culture.  It is not too complicated, yet it does not oversimplify the complex nature of culture.

The following illustration depicts just how overt and covert an examination of culture can be.  It also shows the wide ranging  aspects that can to be included in the description of a particular culture.

Examination of Culture

Also, to begin to understand and appreciate another culture, there must be an element of self reflection.

Perspective on Culture

Examine Question:  How does the author connect the culture and the space, the people and the place?

Indigenous Storytelling

This question deals with Paul Ongtooguk's essays Building a Context for Stories and Traditions and Dynamic Subsistence Societies.  In both of these articles, he demonstrates how cultures are interwoven with people, place and things.  He explains that as part of the culture, information essential to a people, for their livelihood and well being is shared and passed on through dance and storytelling.  He also infuses traditions.  The utilization of traditional dress, foods, and customs not only teach the younger members of the community, they actually set the stage for the lessons themselves.                                                                                                                 

Suurimmaanitchuat Eskimo Dance Group



A Yup’ik elder from Scammon Bay, Alaska tells traditional stories to students during a visit to a local school. Storytelling is an important part of Yup’ik culture used to connect young and old. The fireball story is part of this rich oral tradition. Photo: Katrin Simon

The author also discusses the importance of place geographically and the impact that has on trade.  Items obtained locally were traded for items that were either scarce or nonexistent.  This also included advances in technology that either made the acquisition of these items easier or produced additional items.

A Yup’ik hunter in a kayak, ready to throw a dart using a throwing board. He wears a hunting hat and gut parka. His equipment also includes a boat sled (rear), paddles, and a float board (front) holding additional line attached to the dart. Nunivak Island, southwest Alaska, c1928.  Photo by Edward S. Curtis, courtesy of the Library of Congress

Extend Question:  Have you had personal experiences in Alaska for which culture (in its various manifestations) has been a factor?  Describe and explain.

I work at two schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.  Each school is as different as night and day.  Skyview High School is on the outskirts of Soldotna.  A town with its accompanying collection of fast food joints, plethora of businesses, and hodgepodge of other "city" offerings.  Ninilchik school is right in the heart of Ninilchik, which is right in the middle of a wide spot in the road.  Here, at this K-12 school, it is a common activity for a high school student to stop and ask an elementary student how his or her day is going.

One thing that these two schools have in common is Native Youth Leaders.  I have worked with students at both schools that are members of Native Youth Leaders.  It has been interesting to see the variety of activities that this organization provides for native youth.  The following pictures are from a trip that students from our school district took to Juneau last year.

Members of the Native Youth Leaders Council from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District meet with Gov. Sean and Sandy Parnell at the Governor's Mansion in Juneau, as part of the Close-Up program in February.

Members of the Native Youth Leaders Council from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District meet with Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, during a visit to the Alaska Legislature in Juneau, as part of the Close-Up program in February.

Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympics

Another activity that the Native Youth Leaders are involved with is the Native Youth Olympics.  This event is held locally in conjunction with the Peninsula Winter Games each year here in Soldotna.







Three Blog Reviews:


Evaluate:

Just as in the last module, I learned a lot and found myself lost in a myriad of information about cultures.  Probably the most important part of this module was the time I spent  reflecting on my own thoughts about culture.  (I would assume that this is a big reason why newcomers to Alaska take a course like this.  Not just because it is required, but that it is necessary to help understand and appreciate the cultures that make up Alaska.)  I have to admit that I did have a few "aha" moments.

Module II - Natural History Introduction

Essential Question:  How does digital information change our understanding of natural systems?

This module could easily have been named:  "Earth Science:  The Short Course" with the amount and variety of subjects that it spanned.  This further indicates the vast array of diversity that Alaska offers and that diversity is reflected in how it all fits together.

I wonder how much time the average commuter in southern California takes each day to reflect on the size of the carbon footprint being created each time the SUV roars to life and begins its journey to the workplace.  In addition, I wonder if this same individual ponders the affect of his or her greenhouse gas contribution on what is happening to arctic temperatures.  No, I'm not an environmental activist, I am just trying to illustrate how things that occur in one area have an impact on something entirely different in another location, either relatively close by or across the globe.  Analysis of these events is done through the use of digital information that flows from point A to Point B, literally at the speed of light.

The above photography illustrates how time and space shrink through the use of digital information.  Information that used to take years to gather, formulate, and then distribute is now done in a fraction of the time.  As James Earl Jones states in the video Earth as a System, "Spacecraft and satellites that image earth have forever changed our view of the planet."  Also, "back in the day", an event such as an earthquake in Alaska might never have been known by someone in Northwest Wyoming let alone how it impacted his or her world.  However, in our digital age, we can process data relatively quickly to see how Yellowstone geysers are impacted by an Alaskan quake.

Examine Question:  Relative Locations vs. Absolute Locations

Where on Earth is Alaska?

Alaska from Space. Orthographic projection.

Looking at the diagram on the left, it is easy to see where General Billy Mitchell in the 1930's came up with the idea that Alaska is at the center of the earth.  The red dots representing major trade cities are roughly equidistant from Alaska.  Alaska is also found in the Northern, Eastern and Western Hemispheres.  When Alex Trebek reads the answer "The most north, west, and east state in the union" the only question can be "What is Alaska?"

Satellite Image of Alaska - geology.com

What are the physical dimensions of Alaska?

Alaska's Dimensions in Perspective

What are the furthest points East, West, North and South?

Google Earth Map with Alaska's most Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Points

Extend Question:  In Google Earth, try placing a yellow pin at each landscape you visit.  Try taking a screen shot and using it in a post.

Google Earth Map of Cook Inlet & Soldotna Area of Kenai Peninsula

Three Blog Reviews:

Peter's Alaska Blog
It was well written with many local examples to illustrate ideas and topics.  Pictures and links were nicely used also.

Crossing Alaska
I enjoyed reading about Kristi's development and usage of connections to local resources.  I related to the point that each generation has it's own technological toys and that we can either fight them or incorporate them into the learning environment.

Diane is Exploring Alaska
I could relate to Diane's concept of Place in relation to the internet.  It is so expansive and encompassing that it is hard to see it in terms of Place.  I have also had experiences in which the locals offerred their knowledge in helping out a newcomer.

Evaluate:
This was an interesting topic to me. I was easily sidetracked in my research.  One of the subjects that distracted me was the local history of Southcentral Alaska.   Around here, exploitation was the name of the game. In Kenai, at the height of the fur trade in the area, over 10,000 beaver skins were traded in one year and in Kasilof, at Alaska's first salmon cannery, 20,000 fish were caught in one day. Only king and sockeye were canned, all the coho, pink, and chum were wasted.  This fits in with this lesson because the those involved with what we would call a travesty, looked at what they were doing through a microscope.  They did not have, or maybe did not want, a global picture and did not see how what they were doing impacted the local native Alaskan population or various aspects of the environment.

Module I - Place & Pedagogy

Essential Question:  Why is an awareness of Place important?

I had heard a lot about the size of the mosquitoes in Alaska and never gave it much thought until I actually came here.  To me, mosquitoes helped defined Alaska as a place, along with the wildlife, scenic beauty, and sense of isolation; a real feeling of wildness.  Fortunately, the Kenai Peninsula is relatively mosquito free.  However, it still exemplifies the other qualities well. 

The other day, I looked out the window from my office and watched a moose wandering from bush to bush nibbling on browse.  Just yesterday as I was leaving the school to begin my weekend, I was spellbound as I looked up and counted ten bald eagles perched high in the trees behind the building.  Also, unfortunately, a brown bear was killed this fall while attempting to take up residence in a neighborhood in the middle of town not far from where I live.  At any other Place that I have called home, any of these events would be extremely noteworthy.  But not here, its just another day in Alaska.

Place also deals with an element of belonging.  One of the things I am really pleased with about Skyview High School is the high degree of acceptance that the students exhibit.  It is not uncommon to see a wide variety of hair colors and fashion statements walking the halls each day.  One particular group of students even express themselves through the use of face paint.  A couple of these students even wear wings on a regular basis.  From what I understand, things have been this way for years.  To me, this is essential to what Place is all about.  One must have a feeling of belonging at his or Place.

Examine Question:  How are newcomers or outsiders regarded in your community?

Do you think that this question may have something to do with who you are and what you are doing? If I were a dog owner or a cyclist (especially between the hours of 1:30am and 3:30am), I might not feel too welcome until I realize that behind the dog sign is a school yard and the park is really too small to ride a bike in and it is usually full of small children.

However, according to the pictures of the guides furnished by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, move-ins and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Much of the local economy is dependent on tourism and recreation. Without the dollars that come into the area during the summer fishing months, I am sure things would be a lot different around here.
From the standpoint of a newcomer to the peninsula, my wife, Iris commented on how friendly the people were with whom she came into contact with in the few days that she was here.  Also, I had been amazed to find out the number of people who moved here and then were joined by family members and even extended family members.











Extend:  What are the population dynamics in your community?
 
According to the US Census, the latest figures show that the population of Soldotna is 4,266.  Of that, 80.7% are Caucasian, 8.3% American Indian & Alaska Native, 5.1% Hispanic, 0.8% Asian, 0.2% Other, and 4.8% are listed as Two or More Races.  Accordingly, Skyview High School's enrollment numbers reflect those of the community as a whole with one exception.  Skyview has an African American population of 0.56%.

Evaluate

This assignment caused a lot of self-reflection.  As someone who recently moved to a new, far away land, I remembered before I moved here wondering if I could assimilate into a new life.   I pondered if I could adjust to a new community with different values, attitudes, and ways of being that I may not have been accustomed to.  So far, so good.  Only time will tell, especially in my associations with those of different cultures and backgrounds.  I also hope that I may honor and respect what they have to offer.

My Favorite Place

Gary and Iris in front of Mt Redoubt - S. Wertz

I worked in Alaska for two summers at a salmon cannery, bringing with me four of my sons.  During the first summer, I spent most of my time at a fish camp receiving, preparing, and transporting salmon back to the cannery.  Each day I would look across Cook Inlet at Mt. Redoubt and wish that my wife, Iris, could see what I was viewing.

Even though my youngest son, Scott, and I made the move to Alaska in August, Iris had to remain in Idaho to tend to business there, such as attempting to sell our house.  She was able to come for a visit during Thanksgiving and that is when we took this picture with Mt. Redoubt in the background.  It was around zero degrees at the time and I thought she might freeze but she is a real trooper and loves adventure as much as I do.  In short, my sense of place is more about being with my best friend and the love of my life than it is about a place on the map.