STEMTradingCards.org is a database of resources created by professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. This resource has a series of lessons on Traditional Ecological Knowledge geared towards upper elementary and middle school. Files can be downloaded and include readings, discussions, and hands-on activities.
The term TEK is often used to refer to knowledge, beliefs, value systems, and practices in Indigenous communities that relate to the environment. For many Indigenous peoples, TEK is “active” (the way in which one relates to the environment) and is sometimes referred to as a “way of life.” TEK is a branch of Indigenous science.
New to TEK: Teacher’s Guide: This resource is a great place to start if educators are unfamiliar with TEK. It includes definitions and comparisons of TEK and western science, a brief history of western science, and the integration of TEK and western science.
Dos and Don’ts for Teaching TEK: This is a quick list of guidelines to be used when teaching TEK or other aspects of Indigenous culture and history.
Lessons 1 – 5: These lessons help students and educators learn about a variety of aspects of Indigenous knowledge and science.
References
STEM Trading Cards. (2020). Science Delivered. https://www.stemtradingcards.org/teklessons