Fourth grade students at Durand-Eastman Intermediate School completed a research project called Honoring Irondequoit's Indigenous People that was on display at the Irondequoit Public Library.
“This project served as a perfect opportunity for students to be immersed in local history,” said STEM teacher Katie VanEps. “We are very thankful to be partnering with our local library. It will allow for our student’s work to reach a much larger audience and have a community-wide impact.”
The multifaceted project allowed students to research the history of the Haudenosaunee* and understand how it has influenced present-day society. Students then were able to create a representative symbol, write a script, record themselves and create a QR code for viewing. Led by VanEps and library media specialist Cheryl Jakobovic, the project taught students traditions, roles and lifestyles of the Haudenosaunee, and allowed for students to develop a deeper appreciation and respect for Indigenous people. Now, the public will be able to experience local Haudenosaunee history by visiting the projects on display and scanning QR codes.
The projects were on public display in the library’s children's section from Tuesday, Dec. 27 until Wednesday, Jan. 4.
To access photos of the project in action, visit this link.
*The term Haudenosaunee people is being used in place of Iroquois Confederacy out of respect for its decedents who are part of the local community.