We Are Water Protectors Activity Kit
Provided by: Eco-Anxious Stories|Published on: October 12, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Social Studies, English Language Arts
Authors: Carole Lindstrom
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This guide and worksheet accompanies the illustrated book We Are Water Protectors, which was written in response to protests of the Dakota Access pipeline.
- With these activities, students will discover action items to protect water, draw a picture of themselves with nature, and pledge to become a water protector.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The student worksheets have nice illustrations and prompt students to consider their role in nature and protecting it in a succinct way.
- This activity guide and book it pairs with are excellent resources for studying environmental justice, activism, or indigenous voices.
Additional Prerequisites
- It is recommended to read the We are Water Protectors book before completing these activities.
- Students should understand how a pipeline could affect water quality and the environment.
Differentiation
- If water issues are not the leading environmental issue in your students' community, consider applying the principles and activities in this guide to a different issue in their community.
- Students may emotionally struggle with discussions related to equity, justice, and environmental degradation. Be sensitive, open, and supportive when leading these types of discussions and do not force verbal participation. Explore other avenues of self-expression for students reluctant to participate.
- Other resources covering indigenous activism include this video and this song related to pipeline construction and water resources.
- Parts of the worksheet can be used even if one has not read the book, however some of the activities reference scenes in the book.
- There are also book discussion questions and teacher tips related to supporting students in activism and community engagement that could be used for civics lessons.
The development of students' advocacy abilities in waste management and the conservation of water resources depends on this exercise. This resource is appropriate and is advised for usage in classroom settings.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
