Alaska Region - Cyber Salmon

Introduction - Activities - Acknowledgements - Activity Sources

The Alaska Region of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Fairbanks Fish & Wildlife Field Office, welcome you to Salmon in Our Lives ! These thematic units allow high school students to explore the global issues and politics surrounding Alaska’s Salmon in relevant learning activities. They provide opportunities for students to become the decision makers as they assume the roles of biologists, fisheries managers, community leaders and representatives of the various user groups. Teachers are provided with resources and background information to help make these experiences as real as possible and to help students understand the issues being addressed.

Salmon resources are critical to the economy and culture of comunities in the Yukon River drainage. Utilization of these resources occurs on many levels, from subsistence fishing to large scale commercial operations. The politics and management of salmon are complex. Today’s youth, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, need to become informed and engaged decision makers in order to take an active role in maintaining sustainable salmon populations. This curriculum can provide these future leaders with an understanding of these issues, beginning in the classroom.

Alaska’s salmon have been the subject of classroom learning for many years. Educators at all levels recognize the value of the salmon as a teaching tool. Classroom incubation projects across the state are supported by state, federal and local agencies and organizations. As part of these programs, students undertake habitat restoration projects and monitor environmental indicators in a variety of projects and activities. However, much of the existing educational materials are directed at students in grades K – 8. Many high school students have a solid understanding of the natural history of the Pacific salmon, but need an opportunity to apply that knowledge, in practical terms, in a learning atmosphere. These materials provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful learning opportunities.

Text by USFWS staff
Last modified 28 July, 2009

Cyber Salmon
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