Alaska Studies Semester – Unit 4 Modern Alaska: Power, Policy & the Future Grades 9–12 Unit 4 brings Alaska Studies into the present. This high school–level unit asks students to examine how historical decisions around land, resources, governance, and identity continue to shape life in Alaska today—and what those choices mean moving forward. Rather than focusing on recall or surface-level coverage, students engage in inquiry, analysis, and real-world problem solving. They investigate contemporary Alaska issues, evaluate competing perspectives, and develop evidence-based conclusions grounded in Alaska’s political, economic, and cultural realities. This unit is built for thinking, not worksheets. Students will explore: Alaska’s path to statehood and its lasting consequences Resource development, extraction, and economic tradeoffs Power, policy, and decision-making at the state and local level Conflicting values around land, culture, economy, and sovereignty Current challenges facing Alaska communities—rural and urban The role of citizens in shaping Alaska’s future How this unit works: Inquiry-driven questions guide learning Scaffolded analysis supports diverse learners Performance tasks are the only graded assessments Portfolios document student thinking and growth Flexible structure allows adaptation to local context and pacing Designed specifically for high school Alaska Studies (grades 9–12), this unit aligns with Alaska Social Studies standards while prioritizing deep understanding, civic reasoning, and authentic engagement. It supports teachers who want students to think critically about the state they live in—rather than simply memorize facts about it.
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