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 (French and Îyethka), learning and respective cultural ties to the Bison.
The 2024 iteration of the cross-cultural sharing day welcomed a sharing circle from the Îyarhe Nakoda Elders. This year’s event also featured a Parks Canada interpreter who discussed the ongoing efforts of the Plains 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 new Alberta Curriculum as of 2024 (LearnAlberta.ca).
A special ‘thank you’ to the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Rotary Club of Canmore for their financial support
Curriculum Connections (informed by LearnAlberta.ca):
The ‘Ways of the Bison’ program connects with the “Time and Place” organizing idea of the new LearnAlberta curriculum. The content aligns with the Organizing Question: How did Canada become a country? to achieve the learning outcomes below.
Learning Outcomes
Students will…
examine significant historical events that contributed to the formation of the country of Canada
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
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