DOI
https://doi.org/10.62812/NBBA6167
Document Type
Curriculum Resource
Publication Version
In Review
Publication Date
Summer 6-10-2026
Keywords
Food systems, tomato life cycle, seed-to-plate, plant needs, stewardship, Makhózula, Wopila, Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ, kindergarten science, local food systems, agricultural literacy, plant relatives
Description
In this engaging kindergarten food systems lesson, students become “Plant Parents” as they follow the remarkable journey of a tomato from a tiny seed to food on their plate. Through storytelling, observation, movement, and hands-on plant care, students explore how sunlight, water, and soil work together to support plant growth. Using the Lakota concepts of Makhózula (Abundant Land), Wopila (Gratitude), and Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ (We Are All Related), students learn that food is a gift made possible by the cooperation of people, plants, animals, and natural resources. Students observe and care for tomato seedlings, participate in outdoor exploration activities, and create storyboards illustrating the food journey from seed to harvest. By connecting classroom learning to the Norris, South Dakota landscape and local food systems, students develop appreciation for stewardship, responsibility, and gratitude while gaining foundational knowledge about plant life cycles and food production.
Pages
8
Type
Lesson Plan
Format
Language
English
Publisher
Open Prairie, South Dakota State University
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Pastrana, R. (2026). Lesson 1. Makhózula Etáŋhaŋ Wiyútapi Ke: Tomato Journey from Tiny Seed to My Plate. ILEARN Teaching Resources. Volume 8 (1): 261- 268; DOI: https://doi.org/10.62812/NBBA6167