If you’re teaching with the documentary Louisiana Grass Roots, which focuses on the loss and restoration of Louisiana’s coastal prairie ecosystem and the people working to protect it, students can explore environmental science, Louisiana history, civic engagement, and media literacy. The film highlights that Louisiana once had about 2.5 million acres of prairie, with only a small fraction remaining today, and showcases scientists, landowners, and community members involved in restoration efforts. 

Discussion Questions

1. Why are coastal prairies important to Louisiana’s environment?
2. What factors contributed to the decline of prairie ecosystems?
3. How do native plants benefit wildlife and people?
4. What role do ordinary citizens play in conservation efforts?
5. How does the film connect environmental issues to culture and community?
6. What actions can individuals take to protect local ecosystems?

Classroom Activities

1. Prairie Biodiversity Investigation

• Research 5–10 native prairie species found in Louisiana.
• Create a field guide with pictures, descriptions, and ecological roles.
• Compare native species to invasive species.

2. Mapping Louisiana’s Lost Prairies

• Use historical and current maps to examine how prairie land has changed over time.
• Students calculate the percentage of prairie habitat remaining.
• Discuss land-use changes and their impacts.

3. Pocket Prairie Design Challenge

Inspired by the film’s encouragement to create “pocket prairies,” students design a small native-plant habitat for a school or home garden. 

• Research appropriate native plants.
• Draw a site plan.
• Explain how the design supports pollinators and wildlife.

4. Community Action Project

Students identify a local environmental issue and develop:

• A public awareness campaign
• A social media post series
• A flyer or infographic
• A presentation for community members

5. Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Stewardship

The film includes Indigenous perspectives on environmental change and land stewardship. 

• Research Indigenous ecological knowledge in Louisiana.
• Compare traditional environmental practices with modern conservation methods.
• Write a reflection on what can be learned from both approaches.

6. Documentary Film Analysis

Students evaluate:

• Use of interviews
• Visual storytelling
• Music and narration
• Persuasive techniques
• Intended audience and message

Writing Assignments

Elementary

• “Why Plants Matter”
• Draw and describe a prairie ecosystem.

Middle School

• Persuasive essay: “Why Louisiana Should Protect Its Prairies”

High School

• Research paper on habitat restoration.
• Op-ed advocating for a local conservation issue.
• Reflection: “How can citizens create environmental change?”

Cross-Curricular Connections

Subject	Activity
Science	Ecosystems, biodiversity, pollinators
Social Studies	Louisiana land use and environmental history
Geography	Mapping habitat loss
English	Documentary analysis and persuasive writing
Art	Native plant illustrations and conservation posters
Math	Analyze prairie acreage data and restoration statistics

Culminating Project

Have students create a “Save Our Prairie” campaign that includes:

• Scientific research
• A visual presentation or video
• A proposed community action plan
• A reflection on how grassroots efforts can create environmental change

This works particularly well for grades 6–12 and aligns with environmental science, Louisiana history, and civic engagement standards.

Here is an abbreviated list of plant species typically found in prairies that could be the topic of individual research and presentations by students at any level. Consider withholding information about whether they are desirable or not, and allow older students to make a recommendation based on their inquiry.

Desirable grasses

• Big Bluestem
• Little Bluestem
• Switchgrass
• Indian grass
• Eastern Gamagrass
• Florida Paspalum
• Muhley grass
• Dicanthelium

Desirable wildflowers/forbs

• Texas coneflower (others: purple, giant, pallid, sweet, rough, Rudbeckias)
• Asters
• Goldenrods: scented, seaside, or flattop
• Mints: Clustered mountain mint or slender mountain mint, or Clustered bushmint
• Beebalms: lemon beebalm or bergamot
• Mallows: Crimson-eyed or halberd-leaf rosemallow or saltmarsh mallow
• Legumes: Yellow, white or longbract wild indigo, or Partridge pea
• Rattlesnake master
• Passionvine
• Eastern bluestar
• Compass plant
• Rosinweed
• Ivyleaf thoroughwort
• Milkweed: butterfly weed, aquatic, green, or swamp milkweed

Undesirable/invasive non-native plants

• Grasses: Johnson grass, Itch grass, Vasey grass
• Forbs: Brazilian vervain, Curly dock
• Shrubs: Baccharis/manglier, Wax myrtle, Yaupon, McCartney rose, Multiflora rose
• Trees: Chinese Tallow tree/chicken tree