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"The book is wonderful and the study guide curriculum so easy to use!" — Debbie Mackie, field representative for Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA)

"Terrific for homeschoolers! The questions were a good mix of why, how, where, and what; along with those that required the students to respond with their own feelings and opinions. The format was easy to use with an ideal structure for lessons. The guide was weighty enough to make it an Alaska unit study, without being too overwhelming or cumbersome. My children were always enthusiastic about reading and talking about the story, and the assignments were a natural fit for my 5th and 8th graders. My 1st grader was interested, but couldn't always keep up with the details. I think grades 3-12 is a perfect target." — Teresa Danielson, Kenai Peninsula Homeschooling Parent

"My mom got me your book Finding Home in Alaska. I liked when you and Ruth went to visit your Aunt and Uncle and found a bowling ball in with the pigs, and also when you learned to put on makeup. Also the story when Mark and Mishal got scared watching TV and you tried not to show you were scared, too. The hunting story when you were looking for a sheep but found a goat was good, too. There are a lot of things I related to in the book because I live in the village of Galena, Alaska." — Amanda Koop, age 10

"Best Quote: My favorite quote would have been 'Hey Doc!' Whenever this quote is said, a prescription for adventure is on the way for Elmer. 'Hey Doc!' can be said by a kid, patient, friend, family member, pilot, or anyone else. Doc always has an urge for adventure... what would a book be without addressing an adventure? Best Character: ...Elmer is a pilot, dentist, veterinarian, father, husband, and friend. He travels to Alaska to help others with their medical needs, but also to learn more and travel the territory of Alaska. Doc Gaede has what it takes to deliver a baby during an earthquake, but also to remove a fishing hook inside a pet monkey's throat. This amazing man is my favorite character because he has a passion to help the Alaskan people and to cure his true Alaskan fever." — Cedar Mitchell, Age 12, School Book Report, Elizabeth, CO

"Not just content questions, but thought-provoking...I really like the stories in the book." — Public High School Instructor

Study Guide Cover

This Alaska Unit Study Guide meets the one-semester credit for Alaska history.

Alaska Unit Study Guide

Would a unit study on Alaska fit your classroom? Does your child need an independent study? Are you looking for homeschooling curriculum? Do your students need independent reading projects? Is your family interested in learning more about Alaska?

This Alaska Unit Student Guide is adaptable for students in grades 6 through 12. The instructor can pick-and-choose assignments suitable for his or her situation. In addition to specific questions and assignments, there are ideas for research, field trips, and journaling. Students can work together or individually on the math, economics, and science challenges.

The Guide can also be used exclusively in an English, Language Arts, or a Creative Writing Class, with a focus on questions and assignments pertaining to vocabulary, writing style, character development, figures of speech, and journaling.

The Student Study Guide was developed by Naomi and by Ruth Gaede Rupp. Ruth obtained her Elementary Education degree from Kenai Peninsula College, extension of the University of Alaska. Her teaching experience includes assistant teaching at Cook Inlet Academy and substitute teaching in Soldotna public schools. Ruth's familiarity with the Alaska educational standards, sensitivity to how children learn, and attention to details contributed to the depth and breadth of the guide.

Naomi holds a degree in English and in Secondary Education from Colorado State University. She has taught at Kenai Peninsula College and Denver Seminary. Her "big picture" perspective, passion for education, and adept use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (personality assessment) complemented the formation of the guide.

Example Chapter

Read a free chapter from the student text:
Tooth-pullin' Time

Sample Assignments

RESEARCH

  • Was Alaska a state at the beginning of this book? Research the events that lead up to its statehood.
  • Research sod houses: how constructed? why used? insulation factor? other observations. (Ch.2, p. 23)
  • Research Ben Eielson and his contributions to aviation history. (Ch.3, p.26)
  • Look up regulations on moose hunting. Talk to someone who has tips on how to hunt for moose. (Ch. 12)

ONGOING DISCUSSION

  • Notice and discuss writers' techniques used in this book.
  • Contrast the difference in Alaska between 1955 and the present day. What are some major changes?

QUESTIONS (specific per chapter)

  • MATH: Calculate the number of miles Doc and the baby traveled by plane from Anchorage, to Fairbanks, to Kotzebue. In a DC3 at 150 mph and no wind factor, how long would it take to make the trip?
  • ECONOMICS: Doc and Ruby spent $1,000 on staple goods in 1957. Considering inflation, how much would they pay today for that same order?
  • JOURNAL: Doc and his family found ways to get to know and appreciate people of a different culture. Describe a time when you were with someone of a different nationality/culture or a group of people whose way of doing things was different than yours. How did you feel? How did you relate to them? How did you show respect for them?
  • WRITING: The wind plays a predominant part in this chapter. Highlight all the adjectives and verbs that are used to describe it.
  • VOCABULARY:
    • prospector (p.90)
    • geothermal (p.91)
    • bunny boots (p.92)
    • tenacious (p.95)
  • ART: Choose one of the following artists or one of your own.
    • George Ahgupuk
    • Robert Mayokok
    • Barbara Lavalle
    • Sydney Laurence
    • Diane Tillion
    • Marvin Mangus
    • Kivetoruk
    • Claire Fejes
    • Jon Van Zyle

    And answer the following questions:

    • Why are they considered "Alaska Artists"?
    • What years did they produce their art? Are they still practicing their art?
    • What mediums do they use? Is their anything unusual about their medium of choice?
    • What is their background material? (bleached animal skins, canvas, ?)
    • On what part of Alaska does their art focus?
    • What appeals to you about their work? (medium, style, subject, other)

    Here are some websites that could be useful:

  • SCIENCE: How does ice on aircraft affect its flight? Here are some hands-on, practical, Alaskan-specific resource books:
    • Skills, Tools, & Craftsmanship by Alan Dick, published by Alaska Native Knowledge Network. (Cutting and drying fish, chain clutch and chains, etc.)
    • Alaska: How to.... (Make snowshoes, fishnet, dogsled, basket weaving.)