Patty Dick
Blatchley Middle School
Sitka, AK

"I have taken advantage of Sitka's diverse population by including community members in all my units of study. When I write a grant to fund field experiences, I apply for support from the Lingit Elders, local boat captains, community scientists and parents of students. Each time an adult from our community comes to my classroom, that person brings a wealth of knowledge about their culture, experiences and unique perspectives on the subjects the students are studying."

"As a parent and a Native community member, I appreciate Patty's efforts on behalf of all the students to make her lessons have meaning outside the classroom. She makes learning science fun and relevant for ALL students."

Patty takes advantage of her unique setting on an island in the middle of the Tongass Rain Forest, at the edge of the Gulf of Alaska, to bring science to life for her students. The pristine ecosystem of beaches, estuaries, streams, lakes, muskeg, and forests provides Patty and her students with opportunities for innovation and exploration. Here students can explore science in its entirety, and gain firsthand experience of its dynamic and stimulating wonder. Patty organizes marine field trips on ocean-going boats geared toward specific thematic units such as coastal navigation. Students learn through experience by assisting in piloting a 60' catamaran. Patty also developed a unit to study marine mammals that culminates in a field trip to observe and gather data on humpback whales in Sitka Sound. Data collected by students includes dive times, respiration rates, and fluke identification marks.

Other Highlights:

• In the summer months, she drives a small skiff (boat) to town for supplies and mail
• Harvests wild medicines and food, loves to bead, garden, and smoke fish; currently researching edible & medicinal sea vegetables, mushrooms, and weaving and sharing what she learns with her students
• Adjunct Faculty Member, University of Alaska Sitka, teaching "Native American Herbal Medicines"
• Speaker for various organizations in town and teacher of Elder Hostel classes on "Native American Herbal Medicines"
• Noow Tlein Dance Member
• Serves as a PITAS mentor (Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Alaska Schools) in the Sitka School District
• Sitka Native Education Parent Committee, Teacher Representative
• Attended Brandwein Summer Leadership Institute, 2002
• Received a Toyota TAPESTRY grant for Cultural Integration, 2001
• Received a Fred Meyer Help a Teacher Grant on Navigation, 1997
• Received an Alaska Science & Technology Grant for Sea Mammal Study, 1993