Northern Climate Change Schools Program

Here is a list of the activities that we pursued at the 2nd Annual Kivalliq Regional Science and Culture Camp held in Churchill, Manitoba at the Churchill Northern Research Center, formerly the old rocket range. The outline of activities is extensive. The bolded items indicate GLOBE protocols and lessons. You can explore these in more depth by visiting the www.globe.gov site.

Science/Traditional Activities

• interviewing elders (Tony, Henry, Martha) to develop Inuktitut cloud type terminology and rewrite cloud chart using Inuktitut. (ongoing)
• using elder knowledge to develop weather prediction tool based on observable cloud types
• estimating simulated cloud cover
• estimating actual cloud cover
• observing and describing the appearance of clouds
• identifying ten major cloud types
• recording and organizing cloud data in data tables
• using a rain gauge
• calibrating and using a thermometer
• using pH equipment
• using GPS to determine atmospheric study site
• using a compass to determine wind direction and inclination of study site
• reading maximum, minimum air temperatures
• calculating local solar noon

Many of these activities included some or all of the basic skills required in scientific study.

Other Camp Activities

• evening sharing circle with elders
• boat trip to Fort Prince of Wales/Interpretive tour by Parks Canada staff and Arviat elders
• tundra buggy tour to view polar bears/Inukshuk building
• evening at the recreational center in Churchill/bowling, swimming, basketball
• science "egg" lympics challenge
• model rocket building and launch during tundra tour/historical tour of old rocket launch pad sites
• last evening finale with skits and Inuit games/drumming/sharing circle