Connecting History, Agriculture and the Future in the Classroom

Connecting History, Agriculture and the Future in the Classroom California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom

[object Object],California had a thriving population long before the Spanish explorers and the gold miners came to the State. Native peoples from different parts of California have used a wide range of agricultural techniques. Perhaps the best known technique is the interplanting of corn, beans, and squash together – a trio often referred to as the "three sisters." Photo Credit: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

[object Object],A long time ago, there were three sisters who lived together in a field. These sisters were quite different from one another in their size and way of dressing. The little sister was so young that she could only crawl at first, and she was dressed in green. The second sister wore a bright yellow dress, and she had a way of running off by herself when the sun shone and the soft wind blew in her face. The third was the eldest sister, standing always very straight and tall above the other sisters and trying to protect them. She wore a pale green shawl, and she had long, yellow hair that tossed about her head in the breeze. There was one way the sisters were all alike, though. They loved each other dearly, and they always stayed together. This made them very strong.

One day a stranger came to the field of the Three Sisters - a Mohawk boy. He talked to the birds and other animals - this caught the attention of the three sisters. Late that summer, the youngest and smallest sister disappeared. Her sisters were sad. Again the Mohawk boy came to the field to gather reeds at the water's edge. The two sisters who were left watched his moccasin trail, and that night the second sister - the one in the yellow dress - disappeared as well. Now the Elder Sister was the only one left. She continued to stand tall in her field. When the Mohawk boy saw that she missed her sisters, he brought them all back together and they became stronger together, again. The Legend of the Three Sisters

These crops played an important role in the agriculture and nutrition of most of the Native people of the Americas. In a three sisters planting, the three partners benefit one another: Corn provides support for beans. Beans, like other legumes , have bacteria living on their roots that help them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use. (Corn, which requires a lot of nitrogen to grow, benefits most.) The large, prickly squash leaves shade the soil, preventing weed growth, and deter animal pests. The three sisters also complement each other nutritionally. The Legend of the Three Sisters

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[object Object],What native California tribes likely grew “three sisters” gardens? Address the importance of story-telling in history. Students tell their family’s story or research another legend that was told verbally. Create a California map that visually represents California’s major tribes. Plant your own “three sisters” garden and enjoy the fruit of your labor. Celebrate California Native American Day, the fourth Friday of every September.

[object Object],Victory Gardens Victory Gardens produced up to 40 percent of all the fresh produce being consumed nationally during WWII. Cultural Studies Discover what people eat and produce in other countries Ancient Crops The main vegetables grown in ancient Egypt were onions, leeks, beans, lentils, garlic, radish, cabbage, cucumbers and lettuce. (Seed Savers Exchange, www.nativeseeds.org) Geography What is grown where? Why? Innovations in Agriculture What inventions have allowed farmers to be more efficient in plant, harvesting and irrigating?

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[object Object],[object Object],” “ We have seen children who balk at eating vegetables eat them with great relish when they grow and nurture them themselves. Nonnie Korten, Founder, The Nutrition Network This comprehensive guidebook provides: Detailed step-by-step instructions for creating a school garden. Inspiring testimonials from teachers who grow and teach through garden-based education. Fundraising ideas for school garden projects. Training opportunities for teachers and volunteers.

[object Object],This supplement is a helpful tool to guide educators through the limitless possibilities of school gardens. Created by educators, for educators, this resource aligns the activities identified on pages 20-28 of Gardens for Learning to the K-6 teaching standards mandated by the California State Board of Education. To receive a free copy of both books, visit www.csgn.org

[object Object],Carrots were originally cultivated in Central Asia. What color were they originally? Did you know during WWII, British aviators were fed a specially developed carrot high in beta-carotene? Why? Q: Q: Agricultural Fact and Activity Sheets: Facts about production, history, economic value, nutritional value, and geographical location. Lesson Ideas Fantastic Facts Graphics Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

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[object Object],This 16-page newspaper highlights the many agricultural products of California. Aligned to the Content Standards for California Public Schools. Recent History-Social Science topics: Cultivation of grapes Egg Folklore FREE classroom sets available for educators.

[object Object],Lesson plans and units have been written, field-tested and reviewed by educators. They meet Content Standards for California Public Schools in: History-Social Science Science Mathematics English-Language Arts Health Education Visual and Performing Arts

California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Web site: www.LearnAboutAg.org Email: info@Learnaboutag.org

Connecting History, Agriculture and the Future in the Classroom

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