Overview
Download Lesson
Author(s) : This unit was researched, authored, and edited by the Center, California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, California Indian Education for All, and the San Diego County Office of Education. Key writers and researchers of this unit are Nicole Lim, Rachael Barger, Denise Davis, and Dr. Staci Block. The unit resources were designed and created from funding through the California Department of Education’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum grant and contract.
We gratefully acknowledge PBS KIDS and the creators of Molly of Denali for providing the video resources utilized in this unit. Their dedication to sharing Indigenous knowledge and fostering cultural understanding through engaging storytelling has significantly enriched our educational experience. For more episodes and resources, please visit PBS KIDS: Molly of Denali.(PBS KIDS) https://pbskids.org/molly/videos
Grade(s) : K-2nd Grades
Suggested Amount of Time : 30-45 minutes
Curriculum Themes:
- Cultural Strengths
- Relationship to Place
Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, students will:
Learn what gifts Oak trees provide
Understand how the acorns provide for the other and is a keystone species
How tribes of California have been and continue to be caregivers of the lands
Lesson Overview
- Students explore the concept of the oak tree as a keystone species and learn who benefits from its gifts—humans and wildlife alike. They are introduced to Indigenous stewardship, including controlled burning as a traditional practice to support oak habitats. Students engage in discussion, categorization activities, and create artwork or writing to define their role as stewards of the land.
Procedures
Engage (Slides #2-5)
● Show slide 2:
○ "Ask students to think back to lesson 1 on how tribal communities used acorns”
○ "Discuss the term Keystone species- A keystone species is an animal or plant that
has a very big impact on its environment., besides the Oak tree what else could be
considered a Keystone species (example: Salmon)
○ "Why might it be important to learn about how to protect the Oak tree?”
● Briefly explain: (Slide #5)
○ Oak trees are more than providers for people- today we will explore who else might
that be
○ We will also be watching a video today about how fire was also used as a good
resource to help our forests. This was a traditional practice by Native communities
Since Time Immemorial
Explain (Slide #6)
● Watch Yosemite Nature Notes-17 Black Oaks
● While sharing, highlight key point
○ What parts of the oak tree can you identify from our previous learning
○ What animals benefit from the oak tree and acorns
○ What did you notice when the tribal elder prepares the acorns for cooking
Explore (Slides #7)
● Activity: Project the chart on to your white board or draw a chart be sure to print the photos
provided, you can make them a magnet or use tape
○ Pass out the photos to some of the students
■ Ask students to look at their photos and consider if their the photo they are
holding benefits from the oak tree or acorn
■ Allow students to place their photo on the chart
■ Once all photos are placed check for accuracy
■ Direct students to discuss with their elbow partner how the oak tree benefits all
of the photos in the yes column
Elaborate (Slides #8)
● Discuss with students the concept of a Steward based on Native American perspective A steward is someone who takes care of something, like the Earth or animals, and makes sure it's protected and treated well. They are responsible for looking after things so that everyone can enjoy them for a long time. Tribal communities of California and across the United States have been doing this Since Time Immemorial.
● Explain to the students that you will be watching a video demonstrating how the Yurok tribe practices “controlled burning” which helps the Oak trees
○ While watching the video be listening for ways that the fire helps the Oak Tree
○ Why is practicing this tradition important to being a steward of the land
Evaluate
● Review key points:
○ Who benefits from the Oak tree and Acorn?
○ Why should we all become stewards of the land?
○ If the Oak tree were to become extinct what might happen to the squirrels, deer, acorn
woodpecker, and black bear?
Extend
● Explore Our City Forest website to see if your community is eligible to plant an Oak Tree
● Connect with a local tribal community and ask them to come to the classroom to do a
demonstration on how to prepare acorns
Assessment
● Observe student engagement with partners
● Ask students to write a brief description of what a steward is or draw a poster describing their
Thoughts- their photo must include an oak tree or acorn
Unit Background
This interdisciplinary unit invites students to explore the acorn—a small seed with enormous ecological and cultural importance. Through hands-on experiences, storytelling, video content, and creative expression, students will develop an understanding of the life cycle of acorns and oak trees, their role as a keystone species, and the vital ways Native American communities have used, respected, and protected oak trees and acorns for generations. Drawing from Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, students will engage in place-based and inquiry-based learning that nurtures curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the natural world.