Learning came to life for fourth graders during their recent trip to Wolf Run as part of their study on Native American tribes.

Fourth-graders spent the day focusing on overarching questions and big ideas such as:

• Native Americans exhibited responsibility and resourcefulness: i.e. using all parts of the buffalo. 
• Native Americans shared skills in building, storytelling, and art.
• Awareness: How were Native Americans aware of their surroundings and needs in the group? How do we navigate our surroundings?

Students completed four rotations in the following areas: 

• Hunting/gathering
• Fire building and tortilla making
• Loom weaving and understanding Native American art
• Storytelling 

A highlight from their studies was learning how the different tribes used the entire buffalo (meat, bones, organs, hide, etc.) to meet the needs of the tribe. Upon their return from Wolf Run, students enjoyed lengua (cow tongue tacos) prepared by Chef Pedro Revilla, Head Chef at Javier's Gourmet Mexicano, father of Mrs. Dumas, and grandfather of two ESD students. Last year lengua was introduced to students and because of the overwhelmingly positive response, it was continued again this year. Our curious students were willing to try this new food and many were surprised by how much they enjoyed it. 

Thank you to our incredible fourth-grade homeroom teachers, Mrs. Ayres, Mrs. Dumas, Ms. Scott, and Ms. Wilder, for crafting the Native American studies unit. Thank you to our adventurous Outdoor Education teachers Mr. Eason and Mr. Felder, for coordinating activities supporting Native American studies. And an extra special thank you to Chef Revilla for his generosity in cooking for our fourth-grade friends and teachers.