Cultures of Saskatchewan

Objective

• Curriculum Area: Science
• Level: Grade 6
• Objective: Students will explore and understand the diverse cultures of Saskatchewan, including the scientific contributions and environmental practices of its Indigenous peoples and other cultural communities.

Materials

• Globe or world map
• Pictures or slides of Saskatchewan's cultural festivals
• Samples or images of traditional clothing and artifacts
• Audio recording of an Indigenous story or song
• Whiteboard and markers
• Assorted seeds or plans (for the activity on sustainable practices)

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Discussion:
   • Ask students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'culture'?"
   • On the whiteboard, list their contributions and add keywords related to diversity, traditions, and practices.
   • Briefly introduce the main cultural groups in Saskatchewan: Indigenous peoples (Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota), European settlers, and recent immigrants.

Exploration (10 minutes)

2. Mapping Cultures:

   • Show the globe or world map. Have students locate Canada and, more specifically, Saskatchewan.
   • Introduce a few cultural festivals (e.g., multicultural festivals in Regina or Saskatoon) and show visuals.
   • Discuss how these events highlight Saskatchewan’s diversity and communal spirit.

3. Indigenous Contributions:

   • Play a short audio clip of an Indigenous story or song.
   • Discuss the significance of oral traditions in Indigenous cultures.
   • Highlight notable scientific contributions, such as traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable living practices.

Activity (10 minutes)

4. Sustainable Practices in Cultures:
   • Explain the connection between cultural traditions and environmental stewardship.
   • Introduce the concept of using natural resources sustainably, as practiced by Indigenous groups.
   • Activity: Plant and Plan
     • Give each student a seed or small plant.
     • Discuss the importance of sustainable gardening practices (e.g., companion planting or crop rotation).
     • Have students label their plant and come up with a simple plan to take care of it at home, focusing on sustainable methods learned from various cultures.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

5. Reflection and Sharing:
   • Have students pair up and share what they learned about a cultural practice or contribution that intrigued them.
   • Encourage a few students to share their thoughts with the class.
   • End with a thought: How can we incorporate diverse cultural practices into our daily lives?

Assessment

• Observation: Monitor student participation and engagement during discussions and activities.
• Reflection: Collect student reflections on the significance of Saskatchewan's cultural diversity and its influence on sustainable practices.

Extension

• Encourage students to research a cultural festival in Saskatchewan and present their findings in a short report or presentation in a future class. This will allow them to delve deeper into cultural traditions and their relevance to community and environment.