Background

The Three Sisters are the three main agricultural crops of some Native American groups in North America: squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans. This method of planting has been used by the Iroquois in the northeast all the way to tribes in the southwest. It has been passed through many generations in a story form.

In one technique known as companion planting, the three crops are planted close together. Companion planting is a method some organic growers use. Some plants grow well together while other plants can actually inhibit the growth of another plant growing close by. In planting the 3 sisters, mounds of soil are built for each cluster of crops. Several maize seeds are planted close together in the center of each mound. When the maize is about 6 inches tall, the bean and squash seeds are planted around it. Together, the three crops benefit each other. The maize provides a structure for the beans to climb, eliminating the need for poles. The beans provide the nitrogen to the soil that the other plants utilize. The squash spreads along the ground, preventing the sunlight from hitting the soil therefore minimizing weed growth, the leaves also provide shade to retain moisture in the soil, and the prickly hairs of the vine deter pests. Maize lacks 2 essential amino acids: lysine and tryptophan. Beans contain both of these amino acids and therefore provide a complete protein.

Native Americans throughout North America are known for growing variations of the three sisters gardens. The Anasazi are known for adopting this garden design to an extremely dry environment. Other Southwest tribes often included a "fourth sister" known as "Rocky Mountain bee plant" (Cleome serrulata), which attracts bees to help pollinate the beans and squash.
 

Vocabulary

(Go over during lesson)

Companion planting: Growing different plants in close proximity so they can help each other grow. Over the years, growers have found that some combination of plants can have a positive affect on plants.
Three Sisters: Native Americans planted corn, bean, and squash together. They each have special qualities that help each other grow.
Adaptations: Adaptations are special features that help living things to live and grow in a particular place or habitat.
                   
 

Attention Grabber

Share the story of the three sisters with the students (included in the appendix). The use of props or body actions can be helpful to engage students and help them understand the characters.


 

Garden Activity

 
Part 1: The Three Sisters and Adaptations

•    Draw and explain to the students the role of the 3 sisters. First, the corn is planted in mounds.  Squash (or pumpkins) should be planted between the corns.  The squash prevents water loss and reduces the temperature because it covers the ground with its foliage.  These long, low, prickly vines also prevent weeds from growing and predators from eating the corn. (Have students feel the squash plant as you explain). After the corn has grown to be about 6 inches tall, beans can be planted next to the stalks.  Beans need support when they grow, using their tendrils to climb up the stalk to get sunlight.  In turn, the beans help the corn grow by binding an important nutrient, nitrogen, from the air into the soil.    
•    Review what they learned by going over the vocabulary. The new vocabulary can be added to a word wall.
•    Discuss the word adaptation with students. Remember that squash plant we felt? Would you want to eat those prickly leaves? Give students examples of plant adaptations and show the pictures included in the appendix. What are the adaptations from the story of the three sisters? Have students review with their neighbor and then share with the class.

Part 2: Planting the Three Sisters

•    Plant the three sisters. While students are first planting the corn, other students can be working on their garden design.
 

Part 3 (Optional): Companion Planting and Designing their own garden
 

•    Review and discuss the companion planting method as a class.  Share the short list of companion plants and have students design a small area of the garden using companion planting.

 

Wrap Up & Assessment

•    Divide students into groups of 3 and ask students to plan and present a dramatic interpretation of the 3 sisters. Encourage them to be creative!
•    Review what adaptations means and some examples.
•    Ask the students to create a list of 3 plant adaptations and 3 animal adaptations in their science journal. Ask them to explain how those adaptations help the plant or animal. Review students’ answers and create a class list for students to take home and alphabetize for homework.

 

What’s Next?

•    Combine this lesson with Native American Studies.  This is a great way to engage students in a culture they are learning. 
•    Eat the 3 Sisters! This is a great way to talk about how food is energy stored for us to eat.
 

Download Materials

Student Worksheet

Companion Planting