Curriculum Areas: Science
Recommended Levels: 9-12
Time Frame: 4 periods of 45 minutes
Tribal Affiliation: Oneida
Geographic Location: Wisconsin
Developed by: Becky S. Nutt
Email addresses of developers: bnutt@oneidanation.org
Date lesson was developed: 7-26-01
American Indian Standards: Science 9-12—Standards C1, F3, G1, G2, G3
Goal: To analyze the benefits of the use of fish in the companion planting of the 3-sisters (corn, beans & squash) in a traditional Iroquois garden.
Behavioral Objectives: Students will:
· Analyze soil composition in the garden area with testing kits.
· Research the chemical / mineral needs of corn, beans and squash for optimum growth.
· Research the nutritional (chemical / mineral) properties of fish.
· Participate in the harvest of White Suckers for use in the garden during the spring as they move up the Duck Creek to spawn.
Prior Knowledge
Needed:
Internet research techniques
Materials and Resources Needed:
Internet access
Culture Content and Strategies:
Traditional planting of a 3-sisters garden includes the use of fish to enhance soil properties. Oneida peoples harvested fish for use in the garden as they moved upstream in the spring to spawn.
Lesson Summary and Performance Tasks:
Students will use commercial test kits to obtain and analyze garden soil for content of Potassium, Nitrogen, & Phosphorus. Using the Internet students will research the chemical/ mineral requirement for optimal growth of corn, beans and squash. The teacher will lead a discussion of commercial fertilizers and the problems associated with their use. Students will be asked to suggest how Iroquois peoples would have added nutrients to the soil. This discussion should lead to prior knowledge in regards to the use of fish as a fertilizer. Students will then research the nutritional content of fish. The lesson will culminate with student participation in the harvest of White Suckers.
Assessment:
·
Rubric for analysis of research efforts
·
Completed data collection and analysis
·
Participation checklist
EXTENSION
Technology Integration:
· Digital photography of fishing activities
· Internet research
Enrichment/Remediation:
A multimedia presentation on the traditional method of planting a 3-sisters garden