Where Wild Rice Grows STEM
How Manoomin Science Camps Are Transforming Education
In the shallow waters of the Great Lakes, a sacred plant is nurturing the next generation of Indigenous scientists.
When American Indian students consistently remain underrepresented in STEM fields, a revolutionary educational program centered around a sacred plant is achieving what traditional approaches could not. The NSF-OEDG Manoomin Science Camp Project, a partnership between the University of Minnesota, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, has become a national model for engaging Indigenous youth in science. By connecting STEM learning with cultural significance and community relevance, this initiative demonstrates how place-based education can bridge worlds while honoring traditional knowledge.
The Sacred Seed: Understanding Manoomin's Significance
Manoomin, the Ojibwe word for wild rice, is far more than an aquatic grass or food source; it is a culturally significant relative that provides physical, spiritual, and cultural sustenance to Indigenous peoples across the Great Lakes region. For the Anishinaabe people, manoomin represents a sacred gift with historical, cultural, and spiritual importance that permeates community life 1 .
Years of manoomin cultivation by Indigenous peoples
Decline in wild rice beds over the past century
This deep cultural connection makes manoomin the perfect vehicle for science education. The plant grows in shallow lakes and streams, serving as a living laboratory for studying environmental science, ecology, and climate change. Unfortunately, like many culturally significant species, manoomin has been declining due to multiple environmental stressors, making its study both culturally relevant and scientifically urgent .
The Circle of Learning: A Revolutionary Educational Model
At the heart of the Manoomin Science Camp program lies a conceptual framework called the "Circle of Learning," which emphasizes trust- and relationship-building between researchers, teachers, students, and American Indian community members 3 4 . This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional educational models that often compartmentalize knowledge.
Community-Based
Engages multiple generations from students to elders in collaborative learning.
Place-Based
Roots learning in local ecosystems and cultural contexts.
Holistic
Addresses mind, spirit, and cultural identity in education.
The program also implements the "Seven Elements of STEM Learning," a pedagogical framework derived from an extensive review of literature on American Indian education that focuses on a holistic approach emphasizing the whole student 3 4 . This framework recognizes that effective STEM education for Indigenous students must honor cultural identity while delivering robust scientific content.
A Deeper Dive: The Water Quality and Manoomin Health Experiment
Methodology
One crucial experiment conducted within the Science Camp program examines the relationship between water quality and manoomin health—a study of vital importance given the plant's decline.
Site Selection
Students identify and visit multiple manoomin beds across the reservation, noting observations about plant health, density, and surrounding environment.
Water Sampling
Participants collect water samples from each site using sterile containers, following proper scientific protocols to prevent contamination.
Parameter Testing
Students measure key water quality parameters including pH, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
Data Correlation
Finally, students correlate water quality data with plant health observations to identify potential relationships.
Results and Analysis
The experiment reveals crucial connections between water conditions and manoomin viability, providing students with not just hands-on science experience but knowledge directly relevant to their community's cultural resources.
Key Findings
- How changing water temperatures linked to climate change affect manoomin growth cycles
- The impact of nutrient runoff from surrounding lands on manoomin beds
- The relationship between water clarity and successful seed germination
- How multiple environmental stressors combine to threaten manoomin populations
Water Quality Parameters Affecting Manoomin Health
| Parameter | Optimal Range | Effect on Manoomin | Measurement Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 65-72°F (18-22°C) | Higher temperatures reduce seed germination | Digital thermometer |
| pH Level | 6.5-7.5 | Extreme pH affects nutrient availability | pH meter or test strips |
| Dissolved Oxygen | >5 mg/L | Essential for root respiration | Chemical test kit or meter |
| Turbidity | <10 NTU | High turbidity reduces light penetration | Secchi disk or turbidity tube |
| Water Depth | 1-3 feet | Critical for proper growth and harvesting | Measuring staff |
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Resources for Manoomin Research
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Understanding long-term patterns and relationships. Provides context for scientific findings and historical baseline data.
Water Quality Testing Kits
Measuring chemical and physical parameters. Monitors habitat suitability and identifies environmental threats.
Wild Rice Monitoring Handbook
Standardized data collection protocols. Ensures consistent methodology across studies while respecting cultural significance 1 .
Climate Change Vulnerability Index
Assessing susceptibility to environmental changes. Helps prioritize conservation efforts for at-risk populations 1 .
Field Research
Students conducting water quality tests in manoomin habitats
Traditional Harvesting
Maintaining cultural practices while conducting scientific research
Data Analysis
Students correlating field data with plant health observations
Beyond the Classroom: The Ripple Effects of Transformational Research
The impact of the Manoomin Science Camp extends far beyond student engagement. The project has pioneered a transformational research partnership between universities and tribal communities that offers a model for responsible research with Indigenous peoples .
Student Engagement Outcomes
Tenets for Responsible Research
- Honor Indigenous sovereignty and rights
- Address past and present harms
- Journey together with researchers and Indigenous partners
- Recognize, respect, and value Indigenous participation and intellectual labor
- Encourage robust exchange of ideas
"The program's ultimate lesson may be this: that the most robust science grows from collaborations that honor different ways of knowing, and that sometimes, the most advanced educational innovation is deeply rooted in ancient traditions."
Increase in interest in STEM careers
Improvement in understanding scientific method
Increase in recognition of cultural science connections