Lillian Moore’s Letter Home From Alaska

In this video, we take a glimpse into the life of a prospector in 1898 through their letters and journals. These documents provide a snapshot of the hardships of traveling by horse and crossing the Valdez glacier. They form part of the historical record and give us insight into the challenges that people faced during this time period.

Lesson Plans

A Eulogy to Nature

Students will watch student created films to better understand personal, cultural, historical and environmental connections to place. To better understand […]

Classroom Guide

Essential Questions

What are the environmental implications of receding glaciers?
What are the personal implications of receding glaciers?
Why is it important to understand climate change in Alaska and how does it connect to change in other parts of the world?

Standards

Alaska State Standards History A: A student should understand that history is a record of human experiences that links the past to the present and the future. Geography E2, E4, E5: recognize and assess local, regional, and global patterns of resource use; determine the influence of human perceptions on resource utilization and the environment; analyze the consequences of human modification of the environment and evaluate the changing landscape
Alaska Cultural Standards A1: assume responsibility for their role in relation to the well-being of the cultural community and their life-long obligations as a community member

Resources

Workshop Info

In this professional development course, educators received comprehensive support to engage students in documentary filmmaking. Participants learned how to utilize primary sources from the Library of Congress and incorporated local resources such as Elder interviews, artifacts, photos, and documents. This training equipped teachers with the tools to create enriching, historically grounded educational experiences through the art of documentary filmmaking.