Seminar: The Human Body
Program: DINÉ
Subject Area: Science
Grade Level: 3rd
Year of Publication: 2019
Abstract
“Are we a part of nature”? – Lorenzo Max, Dine Medicine Man
Lorenzo Max asked this question, he explained that we are nature. Nature is just not
Yellowstone, or when we go the forest; we need to understand that what happens in our
environment affects us to cause some kind of change within our DNA. He also mentioned the
“Hozho” means having a positive way of thinking, having the maximum Hozho. Thinking about
Hozho is part of my Navajo pedagogy. He had mentioned reading about Max Planck (Physicist)
a Noble Prize in Physics winner. One of the studies he found out there was energy with division
of a sperm. “Everything has energy, we all have a spirit, the spirit has energy”, Mr. Max
acknowledges.
The goal is to expose students to a different type of science program more hands on modeling
and also access to background knowledge to help build their interest. Many students are not
aware of what goes in their bodies. They know our heart pumps blood, our bodies have
muscles, we have a skeleton and our brain helps us move our muscles. All these systems work
together in the circulatory system, digestive system, muscular system, nervous system and
respiratory system. The students who will be involved are 8-11 year olds students. They will
build each system, as I have identified parts of the body to study. Additionally, indigenous
learners will be able to use their language by identifying each part with their native language
for our wall of science words.
The meaning of taking care of your body while you are young will be important to their wellbeing of growing into their adolescence. The awareness of their body will be important and
helpful to their interest of what goes on with their body. Identifying some health issues that
are relevant to students as we study different parts of the human anatomy will be helpful
information for all learners. Introspection will be brought to light by working collaboratively
and incorporating class discussions. The students will also have to prepare a presentation when
time is designated for a showcase for all families to come and see finished projects.