The Upside Down Forest and Climate Change in the Betatakin Canyon

Abstract

I want my students to know how land connects animals, plants, water, air, and the sun. These relationships are needed to keep all beings in balance. My fifth-grade students are at an age where they can comprehend the interconnections of Mother Earth’s many resources. Most of my students are Diné/Navajo and unfortunately speak and understand very little of their own language and culture. Our school district is located in a semi-arid region in the northeastern corner of Arizona in the town of Kayenta. Kayenta does not have very many native trees like juniper, cedar, pine, and shrub oak. However, some of my students reside in outlying, isolated areas like Chilchinbeto, Black Mesa, Shonto, and Oljato where there are native trees.