Overview
Download Lesson
Author(s) :
This unit was researched, authored, and edited by the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, California Indian Education for All, and the San Diego County Office of Education. Additionally the videos from this unit come from the California Academy of Sciences. The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to regenerating the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it's the only place in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—plus cutting-edge research programs—all under one living roof. The unit resources were designed and created from funding through the California Department of Education’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum grant and contract.
Grade(s) : 3-5
Suggested Amount of Time : 60 minutes
Curriculum Themes:
- History
- Relationship to Place
Learning Goals
Students will understand the importance of habitat restoration for grizzly bear conservation and the role of ecosystems in supporting wildlife.
Students will explore how human activities impact the environment and how conservation efforts can help restore wildlife habitats.
Students will investigate the role of grizzly bears in ecosystems and how their return can help balance the environment.
Students will learn from California Native American perspectives and members of the Gabrieleno/Tongva tribe.
Lesson Overview
Teacher Background
Essential Understanding 1: Great Diversity Among Tribes (EU1 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU1
Essential Understanding 2: Diversity Among Identity (EU2 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU2
Essential Understanding 3: Native Traditional Beliefs (EU3 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU3
Essential Understanding 4: Policies that Affected Tribes (EU4 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU4
Essential Understanding 6: History from a California Indian Perspective (EU6 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU6
Unit Background
The Connected California: Grizzly Bears unit is a dynamic, interdisciplinary educational experience designed for students in grades 3–5 that weaves together history, science, English language arts, and visual arts through the lens of California Native American knowledge and perspectives. Centered around the ecological and cultural significance of grizzly bears, this unit encourages students to investigate the historical presence and extirpation of grizzlies in California, their role in traditional Indigenous lifeways, and contemporary efforts to restore balance between wildlife conservation and human activity. Through powerful video storytelling featuring Tribal leaders, scientists, and cultural practitioners, students explore themes of climate change, sustainability, and Indigenous environmental stewardship. Lessons emphasize essential concepts such as interdependence within ecosystems, the importance of respect and reciprocity with nature, and the resilience of Native communities.
This unit is a cross-curricular, standards-aligned educational resource. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental science, the unit explores the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of grizzly bears in California. Engaging activities, including discussions, creative expression, group research, and ecosystem modeling are designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy. The unit not only deepens students’ academic understanding but also invites them to reflect on their own responsibilities to the land and to consider how Indigenous values can inform more sustainable futures. This unit not only builds academic skills but also fosters cultural awareness, environmental responsibility, and civic engagement among young learners.
Core Themes:
History and sovereignty
Cultural strengths and Indigenous knowledge systems
Environmental relationships and stewardship
Science, civics, and ELA integration
Students will:
Understand the historical presence and extirpation of grizzlies in California.
Analyze climate change’s impact on Indigenous communities and ecosystems.
Explore Indigenous cultural perspectives on grizzlies and the environment.
Investigate ecological roles of grizzlies and the implications of their potential reintroduction.
Evaluate solutions for balancing conservation and human needs.
Express learning through art, reflection, and collaborative discussion.