Researching apun: A culturally responsive research unit for college students in arctic Alaska

Student engagement in STEM is demonstrated to increase when research activities are included in the curriculum. However, students from culturally diverse backgrounds often hold other knowledge bases that have bearing on the science they engage in. Culturally responsive curricula incorporating these knowledge systems and research activities creates a more equitable experience for students by engaging their particular interests and activating other knowledge bases that they bring to the classroom. We designed and implemented a research unit that engages students in research investigating apun (Iñupiaq word for snow on the ground) in science courses at Ilisagvik College, the only native-directed college (tribal college) in Arctic Alaska, which has a unique mission to provide academic education while promoting Iñupiaq culture and values. Students were empowered to apply their local and traditional knowledge of place along with science concepts and practices to conduct critical research on the changing Artic.