Curated OER
Art Curators
Students use the Internet to select various works of art around a theme. They create a PowerPoint exhibit of these works and create the written documentation to accompany their presentation. They critique the class exhibits.
Curated OER
the Richness of Rattles: a Lesson in Making And Decorating Clay Rattles
Learners study the history behind clay rattles. They form and create a clay rattle using ceramic sculptural techniques and important composition and design elements.
Curated OER
Ojala que viajemos a Mexico!
Learners research the names and locations of Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. They use a world map to become familiar with the locations of these countries and use the Internet to conduct further research. They sing...
Curated OER
Prairie Voices: Where People Come From
Students examine the human experience. In this migration lesson, students determine reasons for migration, discover the traits of cultural groups, and explore how groups of people come to share their experiences despite language,...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Native American Religion in Early America
Lesson plan page from the National Humanities Center details the religious systems of Native Americans and the similarities and differences with early modern Europeans. The site is very interesting and informative, with pictures and...
Other
West Virginia University: A Summary of Native American Religions
This is an excellent introduction to Native American religious beliefs and practices. Includes an explanation of the major Native American Religions and their history. Site is extensive and exclusively text-based.
Other
Council on Spiritual Practices: A Brief History of the Native American Church
An informative account of the Native American Church in North America and its use of the peyote cactus in its religious services.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Native American Poetry and Sand Paintings
In this lesson plan, your students can read Native American poetry, then create their own unique sand paintings. Provides links to handouts and information as well assessment criteria, and extension ideas.
Read Works
Read Works: Native American Life
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational comparing the lives of the Native American Wampanoag tribe in the past and in the present. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Native American Powwows
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about powwows held by Native Americans. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Godchecker: Native American Gods a Z List
Online reference to Native American Gods contains 352 Native American deity names and 214 separate entries
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: American Indian Heritage Teaching Resources
Great online resource for finding teaching material to help students learn about American Indian Heritage Month. Features a wealth of information on Native American history, medicine, rituals, religion, art, and culture.
Read Works
Read Works: Native Americans Traditional Native American Homes
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational about the types of homes built by different Native American tribes. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: I Am Native American
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text based on an interview with Native American artist Jody Naranjo. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Lin and Don Donn
Native Americans in Olden Times for Kids: Southeast Woodland Indians
A brief overview to the Southeast Woodland Native American culture. Find a map, and a brief discussion of their languages, arts, religions, and tribal organization. Hyperlinks to information on specific Southeast Woodland tribes.
Read Works
Read Works: Native American
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about Native American daily life. A question sheet is available to help students build reading comprehension skills.
Read Works
Read Works: Native Americans Totem Poles
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational about Native American totem poles and why they were made. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
First Week Foundation: Native American Prayer
This site gives a good example of a short Native American prayer.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Native Voices: Ghost Dance Songs
A Native American Paiute man known as Wovoka, after seeing a vision, started the Ghost Dance religion which had many songs to carry on its oral tradition. Click on the tab "Ghost Dance Songs Activities" to explore activities and photos.
Other
Powerful Symbols: Honoring the Animal Spirits
An excellent explanation of how animals have been used by Native Americans as a channel to speak with "the Creator." Click on the picture of the animal and it gives a complete description of its connection to the divine.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Native American Religious Beliefs and Practices
Brief descriptions of the religious practices of six Native American groups, including the Iroquois and the Muskogee. A great resource from the National Humanities Center.
Other
An Introduction to North America's Native People: Plains Culture Area
A wonderful website from Cabrillo College on the Plains Indians can be found here. It gives an in-depth historical overview, profiles of numerous Plains tribes, the significance of the horse, and great information on their culture and...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Native Americans for Kids: Religion
Kids learn about Native American Indian religion including the Great Spirit, rites of passage, and medicine men on this website.
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: The Conversion Struggle
The story of the problems on converting native Americans to a Christian religion. It uses the example of Christian missionaries who were trying to convert the Pawnee tribe in the 1830s.