This video introduces educators to the Rivercane Mapping SPiN lesson. We address how to use the lesson plan, how to introduce this activity to your students, and how to use the activity. In this lesson, students learn about rivercane (ihya – “ee-hee-yah”) which is referred to as the “plastic” of Cherokee culture. At one time, it was plentiful and had many uses in daily life. Over time, it has been reduced to only 2% of its habitat area. In this lesson students will learn: 1) how to use mapping tools and technologies to investigate potential habitat areas for rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2) about historic uses of rivercane; and 3) why rivercane is ecologically important.
