This Government of Manitoba article describes how glaciers helped to form bison rubbing stones. So how did these great big rocks end up in the middle of the prairie? Bison rubbine stones are what geologists call "erratics". Erratic stones are defined as rocks that are differenet compositionally from the rocks that form the surface on which they are found. Erratics were moved from their original homes by the formation of the glaciers thousands of years ago. As the ice formed it ripped chunks of stone and gravel from the earth and carried them across the landscape. Several thousand years later, the glaciers started melting. When the glacier was no longer able to carry the weight of the boulder, it was simply dropped. They were left scattered over the landscape, some the size of fieldstones, some car-sized and others as big as a house.

This project is best completed prior to reading the novel, Mistasiniy:  Buffalo Rubbing Stone by Mary Harelkin Bishop to avoid influence of references in the text.  The original size of the Lake Diefenbaker mistasiniy is introduced in the novel's preface, while the size of the mistasiniy on Danny’s family’s land is mentioned on page 109 as part of Rose’s diary.   Students will work individually on a math inquiry problem challenging students to solve questions using estimation, approximations, geometry, analytical thinking, creative thinking, communication, and technology skills. Cross-curricular connections can be made with ELA, Social Studies, Science, and Arts Education. More information on bison/buffalo rubbing stones 

All Nations Hope Network, Saskatchewan has created a resource for the sacred story of the Mistasiniy including background information into story telling from generation to generation. The atayohkewina (sacred story) is presented with both English and Cree.
The sacred telling of Buffalo Child, is a living narrative of how Buffalo Child stone (Mistasiniy) came into being. We follow the life story of a little boy called Buffalo Child, as he transitions into manhood within the embrace of his buffalo family. In this âtayôhkewina - sacred story, we trace Buffalo Child’s transformation as a human and into a four legged being, finally his manifestation into stone. The sacred telling ends in the demise of Mistasiniy.