Landmarks of Juneau, Alaska

James A. Mazzetti
Illinois Geographic Alliance Summer Geography Alaskan Cruise, 2001

Preview of Main Idea

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is an interesting town. It was a gold mining city. Today tourist can visit and tour the mine site. Student will be surprised to learn that Juneau has no roads connecting it to the interior of Alaska. Students will find the exact location of Juneau. Student will find out different pertinent facts related to Juneau.

Connection with Curriculum

This activity may be used with math, social studies, or geography.

Teaching Level: Grade 4 or 5

Objectives Classification Outline

Objective #1: Students will research location, population, elevation, and access by air and water.

Essential Element: Human Systems

Standard #11: The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on the Earth’s surface.

Knowledge Statement #3: The transportation and communication networks used in daily life.

Skill Set #5: Answer Geographic Questions

Skill #3: Apply generalizations to solve geographic problems and make reasoned decisions.

Theme: Place

Materials

  1. Maps of Alaska
  2. Encyclopedia
  3. Almanacs
  4. Travel Books
  5. Internet sites- National Geographic
  6. Colored Markers
  7. Handouts
  8. Pictures
  9. Overhead Projector

Suggestions for Teaching the Lesson

Opening the Lesson

  1. Pass out Alaska Road Maps and blank Alaska Maps.
  2. Involve students in a discussion of how to reach Juneau.
  3. Display a model of a plane and ship on front desk.
  4. Use an overhead projector to display the inside passage.
  5. Students should use markers to follow the route on their maps.

Developing the Lesson

  1. Have students locate Juneau on blank maps of Alaska.
  2. Make a travel brochure for Juneau with three students in a group.
  3. Each group will plan an itinerary for a day trip to Juneau.
  4. Each group will make an oral presentation to share their itineraries including a map and directions on traveling to Juneau.

Extending the lesson

1. Read aloud to the class from Jack London’s Book of Short stories about Alaska.

  1. Show slides of Juneau.
  2. Have students discuss the impact of Juneau’s location on daily life.

Assessing Student Learning

    1. Students would compile a scrapbook of magazine, newspaper, and journal articles pertaining to Alaska.
    2. Group presentations locating Juneau, the Inside Passage, the airport, and mountain ranges.
    3. Students would then place these sites on a blank map of the area.
    4. Students would debate the pros and cons of whether or not they would visit Juneau or move there.

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