Curated OER
Learning By Looking: Pueblo Indian Ceremonial Dances
Students investigate the uses of ceremonial dance in the Pueblo Indian culture by viewing videos of native dances. They listen to folk tales that explain the dances and compare the traditions of the Pueblo culture to their own culture....
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The Lake Champlain Highway
Ninth graders read and color “Boats, Boats, Boats on Lake Champlain.” In this US History instructional activity, 9th graders listen to more detailed descriptions of the history of boating on Lake Champlain. Students draw a...
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The Study of the Main Tribal Nations of North Dakota
Fourth graders compare the tribal nations of North Dakota. In this tribal life lesson plan, 4th graders explore the many different tribes native to North Dakota. By the end of their study, students should be able to explain how the...
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Plows on the Hunting Ground
Third graders read and discuss the "Indian Allotment Act". Students compare communal and private property we have today. Students research Indian tribes online and write about their way of life and traditions during the 1880s. ...
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American Indian Reservations
Fifth graders examine life on American Indian reservations, and discuss how confinement on the reservations affected American Indians. They visit the Bureau of Indian Affairs website, and develop positive and negative impact charts about...
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Lesson 11: Illinois History 1800's Dual Timeline
Students identify and research key event in the history of Illinois during the 1800's and create a dramatic skit or oral report based on the event.
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Changing Opinions
Students compare their preconceptions of Native American movement with their current perceptions. They identify why they have changed. Students conclude with a final reflection addressing how they define the Native American experience in...
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The Kanaka Village at Fort Vancouver: Crossroads of the Columbia River
Students study the interaction between Native American and European cultures in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s. They focus their study on the Hudson's Bay Company and Fort Vancouver.
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The History of Thanksgiving Day
Third graders study the history of Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson plan, 3rd graders read about the history of Thanksgiving, complete vocabulary activities, and write a journal entry from the point of view of someone who lived...
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Kernels of Wisdom: Investigating Natural Variations in Corn
Here is a brain-popper! Corn, or more appropriately, maize, was intentionally domesticated by humans around 9,000 years ago and over a period of hundreds to thousands of years! Genetics and botany researchers have collaborated to find...
Channel Islands Film
Dark Water: Lesson Plan 3 - Grades 6-12
After watching the documentary Dark Water about a traditional Chumash ceremony and reading a Chumash origin story, viewers are asked to create a coat of arms and to craft an essay that details a family tradition or their own origin story.
Channel Islands Film
Who Owns the Bones
A study of the history of the Channel Islands, located off the coast of southern California, continues as class members conduct a mock trial to determine which group of stakeholders should have the right to claim the remains of Juan...
Channel Islands Film
Human Impact on the Food Web of Santa Cruz Island
What happens when a non-native species is introduced onto an island? Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Island chain located off the coast of southern California, provides the perfect laboratory for young environmental scientists to...
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Native American Friendship Dance
The performing arts offer artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context and aesthetic valuing. This dance helps students understand dance history and develops cultural awareness. Students are given the...
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Indian Boarding Schools
Students research government-run American Indian boarding schools. In this American Indian history lesson, students analyze primary documents to develop an understanding of the forced acculturation of American Indians through...
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First Nations Contributions
Eleventh graders recognize the contributions made my Indigenous people around the world. In this research skills lesson, 11th graders research native peoples of several countries and create presentations that feature the contributions of...
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Texas History
Students explore the history of Texas. Through researching factual books and folktales, students share their information about Texas. They discuss the Trail of Tears, Davy Crockett, the flags of Texas, and Sam Houston. Students write a...
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Metis- Grade 11
Eleventh graders consider the impact of immigration on native peoples. In this Canadian history lesson, 11th graders watch "Places Not Our Own," and then participate in a classroom simulation that requires them to consider land...
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Metis - Grade 10
Tenth graders investigate the organization and purpose of the Metis. In this Canadian history lesson, 10th graders watch "Metis Settlements," and then participate in talking circles sharing their impressions of the video.
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Trail of Tears
Seventh graders study the Trail of Tears. In this American History lesson, 7th graders analyze various resources. Students create various journal entries on specific topics.
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Debunking the Myth of the American West
Students participate in a close reading. They examine the text closely for implied and hidden meaning, dissect the story to understand the text as a written craft, and discuss significant details and overall meaning of story. They...
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Treaty Trail: Historical Perspectives Point of View
Learners research the point of view of key figures present at the Walla Walla Treaty council. Students analyze primary and secondary sources to determine how various groups of people involved in the treaty council viewed the events as...
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Everything was up to date in 1628
Students view a video of Colonial House, a reality series where people lived according to the standards of European immigrants to the U.S. in 1628. For this colonial history lesson, students research changes in geographic areas over time...
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Social Exploration in Kansas
Eighth graders reflect on the relationship between the American Indians and the French, Spanish and American explorers. For this United States History lesson, 8th graders work in small groups to discuss how the lives of the...