Construct an idea map: On the center of a sheet of paper draw a cloud. Write a topic (such as Iditarod) in the cloud. Brainstorm with the class to come up with related terms (ie. mushing, snow, dogs). Write these surrounding the cloud. Use these words to do a creative writing assignment on the topic chosen.
Write and publish a newspaper about any specific time period. Assign individuals, or small groups different sections to write and different people or topics to cover. Have students use the web pages given to get their facts but also have a "society" page that will "liven" up the facts. Stress the importance of facts to encourage the students going to the resource page for more information.
Research flying in Alaska. Deal with its rewards, dangers, employment opportunities, etc. Call various flight companies to find out if they have women pilots. Write this up in essay format.
Read "The Woman and the Dog", an Athabascan native legend. Discuss this story in class. Have students compose their own native legends.
Imagine that you have just discovered a time capsule that has been buried by an Alaskan woman one hundred years ago. What do you think you might find inside? What would the objects tell you about life in Alaska one hundred years ago? What would they tell you about life for a woman in Alaska one hundred years ago?
Pick an alaskan woman, from this site or elsewhere, who was involved in an issue which effected the entire state. (e.g. Elizabeth Peratrovich - civil rights for women, Sadie Neakok - civil disobedience in the 60s, Ashley Dickerson, sued by the Anchorage Police Department for slander) Write in any medium which you choose (skit, essay, poem, informal research paper, poster) about the issue she was involved in and how the issue was resolved. Be prepared to present you finished project with the class.
After reading through this site, choose a period of history that interests you. Briefly write why this time period is of interest to you and give specific reasons to support your choice.
Throughout history women have played many roles. Some of these are thought of as "traditional" others are not but they are still the roles that the women have found themselves in or have chosen for themselves. The role of women in Alaska has been particularly interesting and has been more varied than in many parts of the world. Considering this, choose a woman in a particular time period and relate how she made the most of her interests, circumstances, and skills during her life.
The work done by women of varied ethnic backgrounds, in earlier years and in the present.
Women's roles during the major war periods, and after.
The lives and kinds of work done by women of the different Native Alaskan groups throughout the state at different times in Alaskas history.
Women missionaries throughout Alaska's history.
Women who chose an adventurous lifestyle.
Use the internet to research the traditional native crafts. There are many sites (both personal and professional) that highlight these crafts and tell their past history as well as their present status.
© Copyright 1997 Elizabeth Beckett and Sarah Teel
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