Emory Oak: A Tree of Life and a Native American Pride and Resource

Abstract

This curriculum unit is backboned by two important backgrounds. First is the reason for the need of my students to meet the expectations of the Kindergarten Science standards specifically in Life Science. The lessons in this unit will build the content of the science standard such as K.L.1U1.6 and K. L1U1.7 from the state standards for Kindergarten Science (updated “Arizona Science Standards,” 2018). These standards include lessons on the different characteristics of Emory oak. From the background of the plant, different parts of the plant and their functions, importance and benefits of Emory oak, plant adaptation, reproduction, and external inputs, struggles of Emory oak and the efforts and initiative for its restoration. Second is to bring awareness to my kindergarten students of the importance of upholding the sense of pride of their homeland and the resources that their land provides such as Emory oaks. Emory oaks are important because they help sustain life and have provided many benefits to the Apache community over many generations. Furthermore, as a plant in general, they also provide many benefits to other plants and other living things such as animals and individuals in many ways including protection, food, life, shelter, and much more.