The American Buffalo: Ecosystem Engineers

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the ecological significance of the American buffalo on the Great Plains, the multifaceted impacts of human activity in the ecosystem, and multiple perspectives of conservation efforts.

Through watching select video clips from Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo, students will discover the key ecological benefits the buffalo provides, the contrasting views of Native Americans and European settlers regarding land ownership and wildlife, and the key ideas behind past and present conservation efforts. Students will create their own pictograph that maps the timeline and ecological interactions between the buffalo, its environment, and humans to demonstrate understanding.

About the Author

Amelia Cook is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Science Education PhD student and science teacher educator at the University of Oklahoma. Amelia is a teacher ambassador with the National Center for Science Education, EcoRise, and a NOAA Planet Steward. Amelia’s research interests include culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy, Indigenous perspectives and values in science education, and Indigenous representation in STEM.