Grade 4 - Ways of the Bison
Overview: Through a series of classroom sessions, Grade 4 students are invited to play bison-themed games, explore Bison artefacts in our EduKits and participate in a presentation to learn the “Ways of the Bison”. Each class will learn about the ecological significance of this keystone species. The unique aspect of this program is a culminating cross-cultural day at Star 6 Ranch. The ‘Ways of the Bison’ program is available without the cross-cultural day, however, we recommend signing up early for the full experience!
The cross-cultural sharing days are offered in May each year. To register your Grade 4 class, email education@biosphereinstitute.org
As part of the cross-cultural sharing day, your class will meet another class and exchange their respective cultural ties to the Bison. The sharing day is an opportunity for students to meet one another, listen to Îyarhe Nakoda Elders’ stories about Bison, explore the land, make a craft, sample Bison stew and have some fun outdoors! Each class will take turns sharing a Bison-themed game that integrates language, learning and respective cultural ties to the Biosn.
The 2024 iteration of the cross-cultural sharing days will again welcome a sharing circle from the Îyarhe Nakoda Elders. This program will also feature a Parks Canada interpreter to discuss the ongoing efforts of Bison reintroduction in nearby Banff National Park. The intention of the cross-cultural sharing day is to deepen the learning about Bison’s unique role in the ecosystem and expand students’ cultural awareness.
This lesson plan is based on the Alberta Curriculum as of 2023 (LearnAlberta.ca) and expected incoming curriculum
Student Learning Outcomes (informed by LearnAlberta.ca):
Identify the unique ways of the Bison and their role in ecosystem and cultural health
recognize how stories of people and events provide multiple perspectives on past and present events
recognize oral traditions, narratives and stories as valid sources of knowledge about the land, culture and history
recognize the history of the French language and the vitality of Francophone communities as integral parts of Alberta's heritage
Subject: Social Studies - Alberta: Stories, Histories & Peoples of Alberta (note: this program aligns well with the incoming “Expansion of the West” curriculum)
Time commitment: 3.75hr plus field day (3x1hr school sessions, 1x full-day field trip to Star 6 Ranch, 1x45min follow-up discussion, offered February-May)
Teacher Expectations: communicate with Future Leaders to book classroom learning and field day, organise bussing and parent communication complete a follow-up survey
LESSON PLAN
Session 1 - Ecosystem Engineer
From Bison salivia to poop, puck prints (hoof) and hair, this large mammal engineers the ecosystem. Beginning with an outdoor game of “Run Tatâga Run!” followed up by an indoor exploration of the EduKit and Powerpoint Slideshow, students learn the ecological significance of North Americas largest land mammal.
Session 2 - Cultural Ties
Beginning with an outdoor game of “Bison, Grasslands and Brucellosis”, students participate in an iteration of Rock-Paper-Scissors. A gratitude subsequent gratitude circle to celebrate what is bringing us energy follows the game. Afterwards, the session moves inside to explore how settler and Indigenous cultures have been and are continued to be shaped by this incredible mammal. The indoor portion of this session explores numerous Indigenous words for ‘Bison’ as well as locating numbered Treaties on an Alberta map. See the attached worksheet and answer key.
Session 3 - Share Your Story
Where did your family come from? What languages did they speak? This session begins with a circle discussion to share our own ancestry to situate our story. Afterwards, students are invited to create a game of tag that includes a new word for ‘Bison’ that they’ve learned.
Cross-cultural Sharing Day
By registration only. Offered in May at Star 6 Ranch. Email education@biosphereinstitute.org