Teaching students about the biggest island in the world can be an exciting and informative opportunity to instill geographic knowledge and cultural awareness. Greenland, the largest island on Earth, offers a wealth of information to impart to students, from its unique climate to its distinct Inuit culture.
First and foremost, it is important to introduce students to the basic statistics of Greenland. At 836,330 square miles, Greenland is roughly three times the size of Texas and twice the size of Alaska. Despite its enormous size, Greenland’s population is relatively small, with just over 56,000 people living on the island as of 2021. It is important for students to note that while Greenland is technically part of North America, it is politically and culturally connected to Europe through its association with Denmark.
Next, it is important for students to understand the geography and topography of Greenland. The island is largely covered by a massive ice sheet, which contributes to its unique climate. With only around 1% of the island’s landmass being ice-free, most residents live along the coast, where they engage in activities such as fishing and hunting. The rugged coastlines and fjords offer breathtaking landscapes that are home to a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, and polar bears.
In addition to physical geography, it is important to educate students about the cultural significance of Greenland. The majority of Greenlanders are of Inuit or mixed Inuit-European ancestry, meaning that Inuit culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Traditional Inuit practices, such as hunting and fishing, are still important parts of life on the island, and cultural traditions such as drum dancing and throat singing are still practiced today.
