Native American Herb Pouch

Native American Herb Pouch lesson plan

Investigate the uses of herbs by Native Americans, create your own herb pouch, and collect local wild herb specimens.

  • 1.

    Study local herbs, their history, and uses. Research how Native Americans gather these herbs for use as medicines and in their rituals. Explore symbols used by people of the indigenous nations who lived in your area.

  • 2.

    Use construction paper to make a replica of a Native American herb pouch. Fold a 9-by 12-inch sheet of paper in half. Fasten the sides together with Crayola® School Glue.

  • 3.

    Cover your work area with newspaper. With Crayola Washable Paints and Brushes, decorate the herb pouch with Native American symbols. Dry overnight.

  • 4.

    Find a nature area in which plant specimens can be collected. Take an herb identification book, your herb pouch, and Crayola Colored Pencils, and paper on a nature walk. Ask a grown-up to carry Crayola Scissors for you. Identify plants in the herb book BEFORE you touch them. When you are sure you have identified them correctly, snip off a small piece of the plant, leaving the root intact.

  • 5.

    Use Crayola Colored Pencils to list their names and locations on paper as you collect different herbs, leaves, and plant specimens in your herb pouch. List their name and location as you collect them. Sketch each plant beside its name and location.

  • 6.

    Look up traditional Native American uses of these herbs. Which are still used today? Compare findings with your friends.

Benefits

  • Children identify the names, characteristics, and uses of herbs by Native American cultures.
  • Students create symbols similar to those used by Native Americans to decorate a replica pouch for herbs.
  • Children collect local herb specimens in their herb pouches.

Adaptations

  • Make a Native American mineral pouch. Identify rocks and minerals found in your area. How would the indigenous peoples have used these elements?
  • Press plant samples between sheets of waxed paper with a warm iron. Or dry and then laminate them to preserve them.
  • Research foods which are indigenous to North and South America. Ask local people with Native roots to share information. Collect authentic recipes and prepare them.