Growing School Food Gardens

Hi all and happy Fall!

I am looking for some hands-on activities related to corn, that connects to it's significance to indigenous peoples (part of their social studies curriculum, including 3 Sisters), that I can do with a group of 20 third graders, in a 30-minute class.  I can touch on the story of the 3 sisters and the growing method, but it's a hands-on aspect I need.

(Sadly, while the corn -- planted by them last Spring - is gorgeous, harvesting and use of cobs is out, thanks to squirrels... and possibly rats - yikes!) 

So I'm imagining something related to how the stalks/husks were used, not just corn for eating. Corn stalk dolls would be lovely but too involved for number of kids and time frame. 

Other ideas ? 

TIA for suggestions!

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cathy Hartenstein
Peapod Garden and Nature Education
watertown ma
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Hi Cathy!  Other than corn husk dolls, I don't know how indigenous people might have used the husks (except for fires), but you might use the husks as feathers on a hand-made turkey.  The kids can draw/paint/cut out the head and legs, and you can paste and paint the husks on the birds.  A second idea is to use the husk as a wrapper, tying the top and bottom, and putting some small item or candy inside for the kids to give as a gift.  Perhaps someone else will have a better idea for you.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Tony Tuckwiller [He, him]
Houston TX
7134985952

Original Message:
Sent: 09-28-2023 09:44:30 AM
From: cathy Hartenstein
Subject: corn activities for indigenous people's day

Hi all and happy Fall!

I am looking for some hands-on activities related to corn, that connects to it's significance to indigenous peoples (part of their social studies curriculum, including 3 Sisters), that I can do with a group of 20 third graders, in a 30-minute class.  I can touch on the story of the 3 sisters and the growing method, but it's a hands-on aspect I need.

(Sadly, while the corn -- planted by them last Spring - is gorgeous, harvesting and use of cobs is out, thanks to squirrels... and possibly rats - yikes!) 

So I'm imagining something related to how the stalks/husks were used, not just corn for eating. Corn stalk dolls would be lovely but too involved for number of kids and time frame. 

Other ideas ? 

TIA for suggestions!

------------------------------
cathy Hartenstein
Peapod Garden and Nature Education
watertown ma
------------------------------

Hi Cathy,

Sorry, I don't know a specific activity indigenous people might have used the corn stalks for, but was wondering, if you could cut the stalks in smaller pieces and use them to build houses for solitary bees. You probably saw pictures of these houses on line or at garden stores. 

Another idea would be a collage with more nature material collected from your garden/outdoor space.

Good luck and have fun,

Barbara

Hi Cathy!  Other than corn husk dolls, I don't know how indigenous people might have used the husks (except for fires), but you might use the husks as feathers on a hand-made turkey.  The kids can draw/paint/cut out the head and legs, and you can paste and paint the husks on the birds.  A second idea is to use the husk as a wrapper, tying the top and bottom, and putting some small item or candy inside for the kids to give as a gift.  Perhaps someone else will have a better idea for you.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Tony Tuckwiller [He, him]
Houston TX
7134985952

Original Message:
Sent: 09-28-2023 09:44:30 AM
From: cathy Hartenstein
Subject: corn activities for indigenous people's day

Hi all and happy Fall!

I am looking for some hands-on activities related to corn, that connects to it's significance to indigenous peoples (part of their social studies curriculum, including 3 Sisters), that I can do with a group of 20 third graders, in a 30-minute class.  I can touch on the story of the 3 sisters and the growing method, but it's a hands-on aspect I need.

(Sadly, while the corn -- planted by them last Spring - is gorgeous, harvesting and use of cobs is out, thanks to squirrels... and possibly rats - yikes!) 

So I'm imagining something related to how the stalks/husks were used, not just corn for eating. Corn stalk dolls would be lovely but too involved for number of kids and time frame. 

Other ideas ? 

TIA for suggestions!

------------------------------
cathy Hartenstein
Peapod Garden and Nature Education
watertown ma
------------------------------

Hi all and happy Fall!

I am looking for some hands-on activities related to corn, that connects to it's significance to indigenous peoples (part of their social studies curriculum, including 3 Sisters), that I can do with a group of 20 third graders, in a 30-minute class.  I can touch on the story of the 3 sisters and the growing method, but it's a hands-on aspect I need.

(Sadly, while the corn -- planted by them last Spring - is gorgeous, harvesting and use of cobs is out, thanks to squirrels... and possibly rats - yikes!) 

So I'm imagining something related to how the stalks/husks were used, not just corn for eating. Corn stalk dolls would be lovely but too involved for number of kids and time frame. 

Other ideas ? 

TIA for suggestions!