Modules in this Math in a Cultural Context Series: Lessons Learned from Yup'ik Eskimo Elders provide an example of how to explore the multiculturalism of mathematics.
Going to Egg Island explores multiple ways of representing and understanding number. Based on the story of a Yup'ik girl's first trip gathering eggs, the concepts of counting and grouping are presented. These concepts are situated within the context of the Yup'ik culture and use everyday examples from tools, to foodstuffs and everyday objects. Hands-on activities promote deep understanding, communication and critical thinking, helping students to make connections among the concrete, physical, visual and symbolic representations of number. Cultural notes, teacher notes, math notes and assessment ideas offer instructional support. This resource facilitates connections to and integration with other subject areas.
This resource series was developed in partnership with the Yup'ik Inuit Elders in Alaska and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. It provides an authentic example of ways to integrate Inuit content, to incorporate cultural ways of knowing and to bridge gaps between different ways of knowing and understanding. The series includes cultural stories given by Elders. The focus is on Alaska's Yup'ik people. Students from all cultural backgrounds should find the activities engaging.
This kit includes a teacher's text, a reader, two CDs, colouring page masters and five posters.