Northern Climate Change Schools Program
Lesson Plan

Grade Levels: 7-12

Author: Bill Cooper, Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School, Baker Lake, Nunavut

Overview:
In this activity students will pair with local elders to investigate cloud types and develop local traditional knowledge using the information gained.

Time required: 50 minutes per class, 2-3 classes

Objectives consistent with Science 35 outcomes (locally approved course through Nunavut Dept. of Education)

Students should be able to:

1. identify major cloud types as identified on the GLOBE cloud chart
    
   
2. translate English cloud terminology into Inukitut names/phrases
    
   
3. appreciate concepts of weather prediction using cloud observations as an indicator
    
   
4. compare and contrast western scientific and traditional knowledge

Students: Students should have completed Cloud Type and Cloud Cover Protocols available through GLOBE at www.globe.gov (atmosphere section). Also helpful are the two learning activities Observing, Describing, and Identifying Clouds and Estimating Cloud Cover.

Setting: Small group interviews can be conducted at the elder's home or at the Elders' Center. Small comfortable break away areas are also good areas for interviews. Tables or a flat surface area is advisable in order to view the Cloud Chart together. Large group culminating activity can take place in the lab.

Resources:

• GLOBE Cloud Charts
• audio/video recording equipment
• note paper/pen
• tea/coffee/snacks for elder
• Climate Change Kit
• computer with internet access
• GLOBE web resources

Introduction:

• Invite stories of the weirdest/wildest weather that the students can remember and correlate to cloud types they can remember observing at the same time. Students can share their stories orally. An elder can also be invited in to do this as well along with the students.
• Alternately, have students do GLOBE cloud quiz available online.

Lesson Body:

1. This activity can be done alone or with a partner.
    
   
2. Choose or be assigned a cloud type from the Globe Chart.
    
   
3. Collect and record the following:
   1. Interviewee
   2. Dialect
   3. Cloud type -- high, middle, low
   4. Scientific name/description
   5. Inuktitut name
   6. Meaning/description
   7. Prediction of oncoming weather
   8. Time most frequently seen
   9. Other data (other significance, good fishing, good hunting, other cloud types not present)
    
   
4. Use the Anecdotal Cloud Type Survey Form

Application:

Large group culminating activity to gather all surveys and compare findings.

Method(s) of Evaluation:

• Completion of 10 surveys
• Quiz on translations
• Develop display for science fair (ongoing)

Reflections on the Lesson:

This was an extremely engaging activity which culminated with a Science Fair display which was judged at the Local Science Fair. The project not only served to facilitate and capture elder knowledge, but also helped to get the community involved at the Science Fair. This plan could serve as a template to do additional research in years to come. The only drawback was the small size of this year's Science 35 class which this project was dedicated towards. More students would have added a bit more synergy to the project I think, especially in the jigsaw culmination of sharing.