Frozen Connections

Overview

The Arctic marine ecosystem is one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth. This region is warming first and fastest, with extensive global and local implications. To help manage this changing region, it's important to understand its ecology.

The relationships between the organisms that live there, and between the organisms and the environment are complex, but you will delve into the basics in the game EcoChains: Arctic Futures. As part of this activity, you will also compare academic scientific and local Indigenous knowledge. Doing this will help to deepen your systems thinking and your understanding of how people, processes, and species relate to one another in the Arctic ecosystem.

You have four main tasks:

1. Play the EcoChains: Arctic Futures game, where you will navigate the complexities of changing Arctic marine ecosystems.
2. Create a list of relationships you make as you play this game.
3. Compare how the observations you observe align and differ from those of an Inuit Elder.
4. Write up and submit an analysis and reflection.

 

What you need

• Computer access
• Printed copy of the Frozen Connections Worksheet
• Pen and paper

Instructions

Here are the steps to complete this assignment:

Step 1: Play EcoChains: Arctic Futures online

You will play the EcoChains: Arctic Futures game to see how various changes affect the Arctic ecosystem. Before you begin, read the Introduction and How To Play pages.

Play the game!
Play the Beginner game first. Then, play the Advanced game for an extra challenge! Make sure you are reading card info as you play. While playing, you can click on the cards to learn even more. You can expect the game to take between 10 and 30 minutes for each level. You may want to read ahead through Step 2 and then take notes for your worksheet as you play the Advanced game.

Save your highest score
When you're finished playing, save a screenshot of your final score. Or, use the print results button that appears below your final score to print a PDF of your score. Submit your highest score from either game.

Tip: You can play it more than once to try to get a higher score. Playing more doesn't always mean you'll score higher, so make sure you save screenshots or PDFs as you go.

Step 2: Assessment and description of arctic marine system relationships

Complete part 1 of the Frozen Connections Worksheet by listing and describing 9 relationships between topics, species, or processes (like between sea ice and carbon dioxide emissions as shown in the example in the template) that you observed as you played EcoChains: Arctic Futures. Consider how, why, or what connects the topics, species, or issues.

Try to include at least 3 different kinds of relationships in your list (i.e., they should not all be predator/prey relationships). If you revisit the game, remember to click on each card to get more information to help with this step.

Example topics, species, or processes: Sea ice, ice copepod, eider duck, bowhead whale, human being, carbon pollution, acidification, invasive orca, overharvesting, protecting species, green transit.

Step 3: Compare and Contrast

One of the best ways to learn is to work through ideas on your own before you hear what someone else thought or before you look up an answer. Make sure you have completed Step 2 before you complete Step 3.

Compare your list of observations to those of an Inuit Elder's, as represented in their Arctic coastal systems concept map.

Click to see the map

Download Inuit Elder's concept map

Analysis

Analyze the similarities and differences between your list of relationships and the Inuit Elder's perspectives. 

Record your observations from this comparison in part 2 of the Frozen Connections Worksheet:

• What 2 relationships are in both your list and the Inuit Elder's mind map?
• What 2 relationships are included in your list that are not found in the Inuit Elder's?
• What 2 relationships are present in the Inuit Elder's map that are missing from your list?

Step 4: Analysis and Reflection

Write a 500-word analysis and reflection on your experience with this assignment (playing EcoChains: Arctic Futures, listing your observations of relationships, and then assessing how your observations align with and differ from those of an Inuit Elder).

Use an analytical approach by providing explicit examples of observations as you address the following questions:

Comparisons

You should also reflect on the comparisons you made earlier between your list of relationships and the Elder's concept map. This time, think about why they are different instead of just what is different.

• Why might some topics/issues be in both your list and the Inuit Elder's concept map?
• Why might some topics/issues be included in your list but not in the Inuit Elder's concept map?
• Why might some topics/issues be present in the Inuit Elder's map and missing from your list?

Insights

• What insights did you gain from creating your list of 9 relationships you observed from playing EcoChains: Arctic Futures?
• What other insights did you gain from playing EcoChains: Arctic Futures?

Reflection

• Reflect on how these similarities and differences between your perspectives and those of someone with lived experiences highlight priorities or insights into Arctic systems.
• Reflect on why understanding different perspectives is important in advancing towards thriving climate futures.

Submission Instructions

Submit the following 3 items to your instructor.

1. A screenshot or PDF of your score from the EcoChains: Arctic Futures game. 
2. Your completed Frozen Connections Worksheet.
3. Your 500-word analysis/reflection, with organized paragraphs addressing the analysis and reflection questions listed in Step 4.

Tip: Ask your teacher if there are more details on how this assignment will be graded and if they plan to use the provided rubric.

References:

Inuit Elder's mind map: Heyes, S. 2011. Cracks in the knowledge: sea ice terms in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik The Canadian Geographer / Le G'eographe canadien 2011, 55(1): 69–90 DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-0064.2010.00346.x