Wild Blueberry History & Geography

Download This Lesson: Wild Blueberry History & Geography

Brief Description: The students will explore the impact of wild blueberries on the history and culture of several human populations as well as map the geography. An example of civics in action will be addressed in the story of Megan Frank.

 

objectives:

The students will:

1. map the areas of Maine where wild blueberries grow.
2. research and write about the uses of wild blueberries (and other fruits indigenous to North America) by the Native Americans.
3. assume the identity of Megan Frank and write their own letter asking that the wild blueberry be declared Maine’s official berry, or create a wild blueberry product

life skills:

Interpreting information, library skills, mapping, research, writing to persuade

materials:

• Map of Maine – a state road map that has towns and cities
• Copies of the map of Maine, one per student
• Paper and pens or pencils
• Library references about Native Americans

Estimated teaching time:

Three 45-minute class periods, plus time for research

preparation:

• Make copies of the state of Maine map.
• Obtain and make copies of the materials listed.
• Arrange to visit the library or have reference material available.

vocabulary:

As the students conduct their research, make a list of unfamiliar terms and define each.

Correlations to State of Maine Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction

Content Area	Performance Indicator	Grades 3-5 Descriptor(s)	Grades 6-8 Descriptor(s)
English Language Arts	B1	a, e	a, e
	B3	b	b
	B4	a	a
	B5	a	a
	C1	a, b, c	a, b, c, g
Social Studies	A1	a – e	a – e
	A2	b	b
	A3
	B1	a	a
	B2	a, c	a
	C2	b	b
	D2	b	b
	E2	b	b

Alignment to Common Core Standards for English and Mathematics

Grade/Grade Span	English Language Arts
Grade 3	Writing: Text Types & Purposes – 2a, b, d Writing: Research to Build & Present Knowledge – 7
Grade 4	Writing: Text Types & Purposes – 2a, b, d, e
Grade 5	Writing: Text Types & Purposes – 2a, b, d, e
Grades 3-5	Writing: Production & Distribution – 4
Grade 6-8	Writing: Text Types & Purposes – 2a, b, d, f Writing: Production & Distribution – 4