Brother+Eagle,+Sister+Sky


 * Objectives:** Students will write a speech or letter about a concern that they have regarding an effect that we, as a society, have had on our environment.
 * Procedure:** Read the book //Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, A message from Chief Seattle// aloud to the students. Have students discuss with a partner how it would have felt to be Chief Seattle and also discuss reasons why he wrote his speech. Then, have students come together as a class to discuss their reactions, emphasizing the factual elements mentioned in the book, such as the perspective of Native Americans reagarding their land being destroyed. Then, have the students brainstorm current issues concerning the physical environment in North America and the effects that people are having on our land. If they are having difficulty coming up with a topic, have computers available for them to research current issues. Also, have these computers available for the students to look up any further information they may need in order to complete the next portion of this activity. This consists of writing a speech or letter describing a concern they have regarding our environment and the damaging effects we have on it. Students must identify specifically how the environment is being harmed and the causes behind it. Walk around the room and guide students as needed. When the students have finished their speech/letter, allow volunteers come to the front of the classroom and read what they have written. This will help emphasize the various issues North America is facing today concerning our physical land.