Reindeer for education and research

摘要

Many people in Alaska, even some long-time residents, are unaware that there are approximately 30,000 (mostly free-ranging) reindeer in the state. This spring we began visiting elementary schools in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District with a reindeer in tow to share information about reindeer. Our visits focus on teaching the students about adaptations of reindeer to the arctic, compariing what caribou and reindeer really are, while avoiding the whole topic of Santa and his mythical reindeer. We give 30 minute presentations including a question/answer session followed by an up-close visit with the reindeer so that characteristics discussed in the class can be observed. All kids get to pet the deer and some have an opportunity to give her a nibble of lichen. These presentations serve as a supplement to the units on Alaska (arctic) animals being taught in the school curriculum. Our reindeer now all have names selected from a pool of names given by the kids.