Author: The Genius Group of MadisonGrade Level: fourth/fifthContent Area(s): Social studies, First Nations history, literacy, environmental literacyContext: Students will learn about the American Indian Movement in the United States. The unit is divided into three sections in which primary source images and texts drive inquiry and understanding of this time in history. A slide deck featuring these sources is used in each of the three sections.Section One is a learning provocation with opportunites for rich discussion and wonderings.Section Two is history of the AIM protests and demands, with extra attention to the environment issues revealed.Section Three is for further study, some supplemental resources to investigate the Embridge pipeline dispute with Ojibwe BadRiver Tribe and the history of protests in northern Wisconsin about treaty rights regarding spearfishing.

Students will read and discuss the legends of three inseparable sisters, corn, bean, and squash, who only grow and thrive together. This relates to the tradition of interplanting corn, beans, and squash in the same mounds, which is widespread among Native American farming societies. It is a sustainable system that provided long-term soil fertility and a healthy diet for generations. The students will also develop an understanding of symbiotic relationships found between organisms living in the same ecosystems.

This culturally-relevant text set offer different perspectives for students to see as well aswonderful conversation starters. Students learn of different careers within the IndigenousWorld. Some of those careers being: Traditional Seed Keepers, Gardeners, KnowledgeKeepers, Storytellers, and More!Dig your bare feet into the soil and feel those connections to your ancestors, the land, theplants, animals, and all things. We are all connected. Let’s work together and connect our pastto the present, for the future... of learning!

Students take part in a role-playing game about the Florida panther to help them understand the complexity of the issues surrounding species, habitat conservation and human interests.

Objectives
Students will (1) learn to recognize their everyday decisions have an impact on the environment and (2)
come to understand why clean air, land and water is important. Students will (3) learn about how they can
help the environment at home and school and (4) how industry is doing its part to help prevent pollution.
They will also learn how to (5) become good stewards of their environment and (6) how they can make a
difference at home and in their community.

Weather and Climate Nature Journaling - This unit overview describes five field experience opportunities to engage students in studies of weather, forecasting and weather hazards. Each experience explains ways to incorporate science journaling, math, tech and literacy.