Kathleen Galau is a member of the Oneida Tribe Turtle Clan.  She has an MS in biology from the University of Nevada. She has resided in Alaska for nine years now where she has taught college, high school and middle school. She currently teaches middle school at Floyd Dryden MS in Juneau, Alaska during the school year and teaches a summer transitions camp for high school students in the summer. The camp incorporates Native American knowledge as an important part of the learning experience. She teaches biology, history and sometimes math.

In My Own Words

I incorporate GIS (Geographical Information Systems) into my classes using a variety of methods. GIS is a system where you can display maps in a sort of three dimensional information rich way using computer aided measurements.  Many people refer to it as "layers of cake."  The applications of this technology are exciting and teachers can find lesson plans that incorporate GIS in many fields such as mathematics, science and business.  It is used often in Archeology.  PBS aired a NOVA program called Lost Roman Treasure that featured the use of GIS.  If you are interested in setting up a system in your school there are many sources for equipment.  The USGS is an excellent resource for GIS.  Additionally there is free software and community organizations that specialize in using GPS location and you might want to consider joining such a group.

Last year my students collared and tagged a bear. Later, groups of students went out each week to download waypoints (latitude and longitude) from the bear. They analyzed the data to see if she was habituated to people; whether she frequented garbage dumps; how frequently she crossed roads; and they checked on her daily habitat usage.  Pictures of our project are posted below.

  The above photo shows students using the GIS system to track.

Students with bear collared with tracking device.

 Map of cove showing waypoints and tracks.

The above map is a series of bio bands around Aldershiem that can be produced when using GIS.

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