Third Graders Explore Life on the Prairie at Plains Conservation Center

The adventure began with a scenic wagon ride across the prairie, allowing the students to experience firsthand the landscape that once supported the Cheyenne people and early settlers. As they journeyed through the vast terrain, they learned about the Cheyenne’s semi-nomadic lifestyle, discovering how indigenous people survived by hunting, gathering, and adjusting to the challenging environment. The third graders also examined the tools the Cheyenne used for hunting, cooking, and daily tasks, gaining insight into their resourcefulness and deep connection to the land. They also had the opportunity to see tipis, gaining a greater appreciation for how the Cheyenne built their homes to suit the demands of the open plains.

The exploration continued with a shift to life in a homesteading community from 1887. Students visited cabins, learning how homesteaders adapted their living spaces to survive on the prairie. In an old schoolhouse, they stepped back in time to experience what school was like for children in the 1800s. Their guide, dressed as a teacher from the period, led them in writing with slate boards and learning about early education practices.

One of the most memorable activities was when the third graders worked together to build their own tipis, mirroring the teamwork and problem-solving skills the Cheyenne would have used. They also wrote stories using Cheyenne symbolism, reflecting on the role of storytelling in preserving cultural history and values.

Overall, this immersive experience brought history to life and enriched the Grade 3 social studies curriculum. Excellent work, Grade 3 explorers!