Pkwiman Wild Blueberry Resource

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture has a resource for Grade 7 Science and Grade 8 Social Studies teachers to support curriculum outcomes related to the ecological and cultural significance of wild blueberries in Mi’kmaki and Wabanaki. Classrooms will receive a lesson plan with curriculum connections to grade 7 science and grade 8 social studies. The lesson plan includes background information, guiding questions and a list of online resource. Also provided are student-facing inquiry guides, video series featuring interviews with a wild blueberry farmer, an engineer, and two-Mi’kmaw elders, as well as access to the documentary Voices from the Barrens.

Classroom resources (videos and student inquiries) to support curriculum outcomes related to ecological adaptation and Netukulimk (Grade 7 Science) and how changes in markets and technology in the 20th century have impacted wild blueberry farmers, including Mi’kmaw wild blueberry farmers and harvesters (Grade 8 Social Studies). Grade 7 learners explore the ecological factors that make Nova Scotia an ideal location for wild blueberry production, why wild blueberries are suitable for commercial production compared to other native berry species, compare modern wild blueberry farming practices with traditional Mi’kmaw practices in the context of Netukulimk, and test different methods for wild blueberry preservation. Grade 8 learners explore the impacts of societal changes on the availability of farm labour for wild blueberry harvesting, homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship in the wild blueberry sector, the impacts of refrigeration technology on wild blueberry exports, and the social and economic impacts of technological changes on the Mi’kmaw in the context of Netukulimk.

Pkwiman: Wild Blueberries in Mi’kma’ki and Wabanahkik Program provides:

  • lesson plan with curriculum connections to grade 7 science and grade 8 social studies, background information, guiding questions and a list of online resources
  • student-facing inquiry guides
  • video series developed by Agriculture in the Classroom – Nova Scotia, featuring interviews with a wild blueberry farmer, an engineer, and two Mi’kmaw elders, as well as access to the documentary Voices from the Barrens.
  • staff support to answer questions Teachers should take into consideration:
  • The experiment materials are not provided (however they are low cost)
  • Teachers wishing to conduct the inquiry on methods for preserving wild blueberries should be prepared to do this in early to mid-September as fresh wild blueberries to use in the inquiry will not be available later in the year

This program is also available in French.

Eligibility

Grade 7 Science and Grade 8 Social Studies teachers in Nova Scotia public schools are eligible to apply. Private schools will be accepted on resource availability.

How to apply

  1. Determine if Pkwiman: Wild Blueberries in Mi’kma’ki and Wabanahkik is a good fit for your classroom.
  2. Complete the application form.
  3. The Department of Agriculture will review all applications.
  4. Teachers will be contacted and sent resources by e-mail.

How long it takes

Teachers will be notified within 5 business days that their application has been received and will be provided with the resources by e-mail.

Cost

There is no cost to participate in this program.

Before you start/apply

Make sure your school principal is aware of your intention to apply to the program and supports your participation.

Important dates

This resource is available throughout the year.

Apply online

Start now

Other ways to apply

If you are unable to apply online, contact the Agricultural Education office at 902-893-6575 or

Contact Information

Agricultural Education Office
74 Research Dr.
Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2

Phone: 902-893-6575
Email: