4-LS1-1

Respect, Reciprocity, and Reverence

3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1

Through learning from California Native American perspectives, including voices from the Gabrieleno/Tongva tribe, students will explore how these values guide environmental stewardship and cultural practices. This lesson introduces students to core values within Indigenous knowledge systems, respect, reciprocity, and reverence, and their role in fostering sustainable relationships with the environment. The lesson encourages reflection on personal and collective responsibilities to the land and invites students to identify meaningful ways to honor and care for their local environment through everyday actions.

Sea Star Spawning and Yurok Tribe Conservation Efforts

3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1

Students investigate the life cycle of sea stars and the process of spawning. Students will study how the Yurok Tribe and marine scientists collaborate to protect sea stars and maintain ocean biodiversity. Students create visual models of sea star life stages and design conservation campaigns to raise awareness of marine ecosystem health.

Soaring with the California Condor

3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1

Students learn about the California condor’s unique adaptations and ecological role. They explore how the Yurok Tribe is leading efforts to reintroduce the condor to its ancestral lands. Activities include group research on threats to condors, the creation of educational campaigns, and reflections on how traditional knowledge and science work together in conservation.

Exploring California’s Redwood Trees

3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1

Focuses on the ecological role of redwood forests in supporting biodiversity and combating climate change. Students study different redwood features (e.g., height, root systems) and analyze their importance to the broader ecosystem. Groups create actionable conservation strategies and educate others through posters or brochures.

The Resilience of Redwood Trees

3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1

Students investigate the unique adaptations that help redwood trees survive environmental challenges such as fire and drought. Each group researches a specific redwood characteristic (e.g., bark, sprouting roots) and connects it to the tree’s overall resilience. Students develop conservation plans and visual presentations to advocate for the protection of redwood forests.

Maintaining Connections with Land

3-ESS3-1, 3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1

Maintaining Connections with Land: Students study sustainable Indigenous land practices and reflect on personal environmental stewardship.

Grizzly as Healer

3-ESS2-1, 3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS1-1

Grizzly as Healer: Students learn about the grizzly’s role in ecosystem health and cultural healing, as shared by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.

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