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Agriculture and Climate Change in Alaska: a curriculum for grades 6-12

Jared Baker grows fruits and vegetables in a seasonal high tunnel to provide healthy, fresh food for his family. USDA NRCS photo by Tracy Robillard.

Alaska is one of the fastest warming regions on Earth. It is warming faster than any other state in the U.S., and as such, faces numerous issues and opportunities associated with climate change. In the coming decades, agriculture in Alaska will have to adapt to these challenges and opportunities. The Northwest Climate Hub partnered with the Alaska FFA Association to create an engaging and scientifically rigorous secondary education unit on climate change and agriculture in Alaska to help youth prepare for future changes in their environment. Climate change education offers the opportunity to educate youth on how to understand their environment, build skills to work with the natural environment, and mitigate and adapt to climate change in agriculture and natural resources.

This unit includes lessons on the difference between weather and climate, the basics of climate change, water quality, soils, agricultural economics in a changing climate, interviews with community members, and a group presentation on agricultural issues in Alaska. Below is a list of the lessons, presentations, and materials required for this curriculum (note these items were chosen by the Executive Director of Alaska FFA Association and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of any product or service).

Lesson 1: Weather or Climate 

Students learn about the difference between weather and climate. This lesson uses images to support making connections with concepts in this lesson.

Lesson 2: What is Climate Change? 

Students learn what causes climate change, how climate change is already affecting Alaska, and how it might affect Alaska in the future. Students then conduct an experiment to test the greenhouse gas effect.

Lesson 3: Alaska Water Quality 

Students investigate and determine water quality by using biological and chemical tests, including pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and water temperature. Students learn about the effects of changing water quality in Alaska.

Lesson 4: Alaskan Soils 

Students begin by using the U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (USDA NRCS) Guide to Texture by Feel and Soil Texture Triangle to classify soil samples. Students then test soils from the land around them and from provided soil samples. Using their results, students will compare and analyze differences in soil acidity and nutrient levels to determine suitable and unsuitable crops for their region.

Lesson 5: Alaskan Farms on the Table 

To learn about the challenges associated with agricultural production under climate change conditions, students play a game in which they make adaptation management decisions for a farm and evaluate the economic effects of these management decisions.

Lesson 6: Interviews 

Students learn how to conduct effective interviews. First, students practice interview skills conducting peer interviews with a partner in class. Then, students interview a family member or community member to learn about that person’s relationship with land and climate change.

Lesson 7: Agricultural Issues: Climate Change and Alaskan Agriculture (Group Presentation) 

In groups of four, students complete a 15-minute presentation on the materials covered in this coursework and additional agricultural climate adaptation techniques.