Thanksgiving High School Environmental Science Native American Ecological Lesson

Thanksgiving Environmental Science Native American Ecological Lesson

As high school science teachers, we want to teach the real stories of our land and the people who inhabit it. But the question is, where to even begin?

Teach the real history of Thanksgiving through the lens of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. This lesson helps students explore Indigenous perspectives, environmental stewardship, and cultural understanding. TEK stands for “Traditional Ecological Knowledge” which encompasses the idea that Native Americans were able to pass on knowledge and education over the years. This accumulated knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years through direct interaction with the land, water, plants, and animals in their homelands.

This lesson is perfect around Thanksgiving! This Environmental Science Traditional Ecological Knowledge Lesson teaches the practices that Native Americans have used in caring for their environment for thousands of years 

This lesson is and integrated lesson that encompasses many subjects, but can easily be adapted for use by environmental, earth science or humanities teachers who are looking to introduce their students to the concept of TEK: “Traditional Ecological Knowledge.” This is a great way to introduce students to deeper thinking questions such as, “Who does land really belong to?” and land use laws.

By utilizing this lesson, the students will be able to define “Traditional Ecological Knowledge” and think critically about how this knowledge can affect the way we treat our land.

The students will be able to explain how traditional ecological knowledge can accompany scientific knowledge to improve our sustainability practices.

The students will be able to describe the values of traditional ecological knowledge. 

Essential questions: 

1. How do we acquire and pass on knowledge?
2. What can we learn from ancestral knowledge of our environment? 
3. How can understanding ancestral knowledge help us think differently about our environment and all its inhabitants?

I have used this lesson in my environmental science course around Thanksgiving, as it is a great time to address this subject and integrate this into my curriculum.

You can easily utilize this lesson as a printable or digital resource. Internet access will be required for students to access the websites for their research.

Transform your students’ understanding of our connection to our environment and our place in it today… let your students know the true impact of traditional ecological knowledge & how we can learn from these sustainable practices today

If you would like more ideas, check out my TPT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/experiments-from-experience