Manoomin Mystery
Where it was, where it is today, and how we can ensure it will be here in the future. Students will analyze the effects of predators, sulfate levels, and neglectful human practices on manoomin (Ojibwemowin language for “wild rice”). Students will learn about the life cycle of manoomin and traditional harvest methods. They will observe change over time in the St. Louis River Estuary by comparing a satellite image of the St. Louis River Estuary with a historical hand drawn map of the same area to see where wild rice has historically been found. Finally, they will be presented with real life scientific data affecting manoomin growth today. Students will apply reading, writing, group work, and inquiry-based scientific methods to solve the mysteries presented to them.