Native American middle schoolers explore science and culture at Biological Station

The U-M Biological Station recently morphed into Camp KinoMaage, hosting 20 rising eighth-grade students from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Together with U-M faculty, students and expert staff, and elders of the Sault Tribe the young explorers examined natural phenomena, considered the ways in which ancient and modern knowledge converge, and acquired conversational experience in the Ojibwe language. On boats, above ground and beneath, along the lakeshore, in gorges and around campfires, in the laboratory and on an archeological dig, students were introduced to the study of ecosystems, hydrology, ethnobotany, biofuel, and solar cells.

“The camp exposes students to biological topics and uses scientific field experiences to explore the culture and history of native peoples who lived in northern Michigan in the past,” says William Collins, executive director of the Center for Educational Outreach.

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