With our present understanding of the importance of environmental sustainability, there is much to be learned from the past.  Nothing was wasted in the pioneer home.  Pioneers reduced, re-used and recycled out of necessity.  Every part of an animal or plant was put to use.  Nature supplied dyes for fabric and medicines for the family.  Clothing was handed down to younger children, and then recycled into quilts or rugs when it could no longer be mended.  

This program gives students the opportunity to explore the self-sufficient and non-wasteful lifestyle of the pioneers. Hands-on activities such as carding wool and weaving a rag rug, as well as playing a pioneer game, will bring the experience to life for the students. 
 
Back in your classroom, students can use the ideas learned during this program to generate ideas for how to use old materials to make new items today.