7th graders in English Language Arts (ELA) went on a field trip to Devil's Lake State Park on Thursday, May 9th, to participate in the Effigy Mounds Program. The program was led by DNR Naturalist Susan Johansen-Mayoleth. This trip connected with their reading of the novel "Touching Spirit Bear" by helping them learn about and appreciate Native American culture in Wisconsin.
"Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen, explores themes of anger, forgiveness, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a remote Alaskan island with a rich Native American history. By visiting the Effigy Mounds, students were able to gain firsthand experience with the cultural practices and beliefs of indigenous people in Wisconsin.
Students began at the Nature Center, where they learned about the tools and artifacts used by indigenous people in our region. They then hiked down to the beach, stopping to explore the mounds along the way. On the beach, students put their newfound knowledge to the test by creating their own miniature mounds and weaving myths to explain them. Finally, they traveled to the nearby Man Mound Park, where they were able to see the largest human-shaped mound in North America. It was an unforgettable day filled with learning and discovery.