Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Final
Publication Date
Winter 11-26-2023
Keywords
Ethnobotany for elementary students, land-based lesson for first graders, culturally responsive instruction, conservation of traditional knowledge, indigenous science, plant-people interaction
Description
In this lesson, students explore the Ethnobotany of the Lakota people, learning about the deep connection between the Lakota culture and native plants. Through a Schoolyard Walk or a Nature Walk, they observe and learn the Lakota names of three plants, their uses and importance to the Lakota people. Students engage in discussions and storytelling, understanding how these plants are like friends to the Lakota, serving various purposes such as in ceremonies or as food sources. The hands-on craft activity allows them to express what they learn by coloring plant parts and conceptualizing the life cycle of a plant. Overall, students gain insights into the harmonious relationship between the Lakota people and the plant kingdom, fostering an appreciation of the indigenous knowledge toward sustainable use of available plant resources.
Pages
11
Type
Teaching Resources
Format
Language
English
Publisher
Open Prairie
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Michel A. Little Eagle, Mikayla Janis, and Madhav P. Nepal. 2023. Lakota Ethnobotany for the First Graders. ILEARN Teaching Resources. 5(1): 126—135.