To kick off their "Indigenous People of North America" unit, Grade 3 took an immersive field trip to the Native Truths exhibit at the Field Museum. This exhibit provided a deep dive into Indigenous culture, history, and resilience. Students had the chance to view a wide array of artifacts, including intricate traditional clothing, pottery, and beadwork. Each artifact came with stories about the diverse cultures and histories of Indigenous communities across North America. 

 

In the hands-on exhibit, the group explored rich musical traditions integrated with current music making practices by creating their own songs. Traditional Indigenous instruments were uploaded to a digital music-making software and they experimented with rhythms inspired by Indigenous practices. Students were also able to try out weaving ropes in the same patterns. 

 

One of the highlights was stepping into a life-sized replica of a Pawnee Earth Lodge. Students started their experience in the Earth Lodge by making connections between the entrance of the Earth Lodge and a sukkah because of the shape and building materials! Inside, students saw how families would have lived, cooked, and gathered, sparking questions about daily life and the unique architectural design that connects culture with the environment. This experience was a memorable and meaningful way to begin the unit, grounding studies in real-life connections to Indigenous traditions and innovations.

 

Grade 3 launched this unit by exploring many resources (photos, videos, books, and artifacts) within the classroom and creating a Wonder Wall to record and share their wonderings. This experience also helped to spark the inquiry process by engaging students' minds around Indigenous stories and filling their heads with thoughtful questions that will be added to the Wonder Wall. This resource bank of questions will eventually lead to deeper research on specific topics of interest.