Native American Leaders Lesson Plans

Students show similarities and differences between two Native American Indian chiefs using a Venn

Students discuss the movement of Native Americans to Indian reservations.  In this U.S. History instructional activity, students select two Indian Tribes to study and work over the course of 7 days to collect specific details about their selected tribes.

Eighth graders read excerpts of "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose. As a class, they view slides of artwork from the time period of westward expansion and Native Americans, write their reactions and share them with the class. To end the lesson, they create their own artwork on how they view the Native Americans during this time period.

Students analyze the different roles assumed by various Native American tribes during the American Revolution. They examine the issues involved for Native Americans in choosing the British or the American side of the conflict, such as maintaining trade or preserving homelands. They complete several online activity worksheets after reading some of the information about the Indian's involvement in the American Revolution.

Students examine how Chief Joseph attempted to challenge stereotypes about Native Americans. In this Native American history instructional activity, students read "An Indian's Views of Indian Affairs," and then paraphrase the selection. Students also respond to discussion questions about Indian Removal Policies and life on reservations.

Students research a Native American tribe, then create a board game highlighting aspects of life in that tribe. In this Native American board game lesson, students create a board game for today's children that teaches about that tribe (Cherokee, Nez Perce, or the Athabascans of Alaska).  Students create the games in small groups and once complete, they exchange to play a differing group's game.  

Students complete activities to learn about Southeastern Native Americans.  In this lifestyles lesson, students watch a PowerPoint about Southeastern Native Americans, view artifacts from the region and discuss the objects with a partner.  Students analyze primary sources and draw a picture of a Native American village.  Students use primary and secondary sources to create a Southeastern Native American info book.

Students reflect on the history of Native Americans in the current Omaha area.  In this lesson, students utilize the computer by completing an Internet search on Native Americans in Omaha then gather in small groups to share what they learned.

Students analyze the Native American treaties and policies prior to 1835. In this Native American history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the treaties and policies of the time period. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the lecture.

Students examine federal policies regarding Native Americans. For this Native American assimilation and removal policies lesson, students conduct research to compare the changes in federal policy regarding Native Americans between the Washington and Jackson presidencies.