Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, including the Diné (Navajo), A:shiwi (Zuni), Zia Pueblo, and Laguna Pueblo, have been using a time-tested agricultural method known as a waffle garden to successfully grow crops in the semi-arid environment for generations. In this activity student's will reflect upon and learn about Indigenous relationships with water and the land to help them understand diverse methods of using water in dry climates.
Context for Use
Take and Make Kits are fun and engaging hands-on activities that you can do from home to explore and learn about water in your community. This activity is available in Spanish here.
Aerial view of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Demonstration Garden at the, a 1994 Land-Grant Tribal College and University (TCU) Land-Grant member, in Santa Fe, NM, on Sept. 11, 2019.
Goals Header
What Students Will Do
- Cut four holes in the bottom of the rectangular planting containers.
- Water the soil in both trays.
- Prepare the Waffle Garden.
- Plant your seeds.
- Irrigate and Test.
