Fourth Graders Tackle an Eye-Opening Experience 

Fourth graders are currently studying Native Americans. We began our day by looking at primary resources of Native Americans and settlers. We looked at a painting of a Native American wearing clothes made from buffalo pelts. Then we looked at a photograph of settlers who were sitting amongst hundreds of buffalo pelts. We discussed how the two parties differed dramatically in their use of natural resources.

 

The students unanimously agreed the settlers should have foreseen the consequences of their actions and should have offered more respect towards nature.

 

Next, the students participated in a simulation activity. Thinking that the purpose of the activity was team-building, students eagerly made pitchers of lemonade and put together S'mores to share with the class. They had a blast!

 

Later, they admitted to thinking primarily of product quality and timeliness. 

 

 

 

It was only after the simulation was complete and snacks were enjoyed by all that I asked the students to revisit the primary resources and compare themselves to the Native Americans and settlers.

 

It was then that they contemplated the amount of trash we had created along with the waste of "imperfect" resources. Students were shocked to see that they had been quick to judge the settlers without realizing that economics (trade) and culture can play a major role in perspective.

 

 

 

Students came to the conclusion that modern Americans are a lot more like the settlers than they had originally thought. However, we also concluded that we are like the Native Americans, too, because we have many organizations that work to save endangered animals, encourage recycling, etc.

 

It was a wonderful experience!