South American History Lesson Plans

Students hypothesize about the origins of the Incan lost city of Machu Picchu. They examine archaeological methodologies used by researchers to piece together the history of the site and create an audio tour of the location for visitors to the ruins.

This units gives students opportunities to * Research the history and patterns of French settlement in Louisiana * Discover three types of music (New Orleans jazz, Cajun, Zydeco) which are representative of the Francophone presence in Louisiana. * Make connections between the rhythms of the music and those of the French language.

Students research the historical background of the potato. In this potato research lesson plan, students cut out the important dates in potato history. Students make a timeline for the events.

Students explore Native American self determination. In this Native American history and writing activity, students discuss and summarize the main points of the Self Determination Act after viewing an interview of a current Montana tribe leader. Students work in groups to research current issues that have been influenced by the Self Determination Act and present an oral report on their findings.

Eighth graders examine the allotment period of the American Indians. In this American Indian history activity, 8th graders research the allotment period. They look at the formal interactions between the United States government and the American Indian Nations. They write an essay and give an oral presentation with their research findings.

Students explore Native American culture by examining their economy.  In this financial history lesson, students define the European economies as capitalist while finding the opposite for Native Americans.  Students research Montana Tribal websites for further information and define the different tribes that inhabited Montana.

Students study Hispanic and Latino heritage and culture. In this diversity lesson, students discuss what they know about Hispanic heritage and then complete the Hispanic History in the Americas activity. Students work in groups to find three facts about Hispanic heritage and complete an activity on Latinos in History. Students create a timeline that shows the major events that contributed to Hispanic culture and influence in the new world.  

Young scholars define "group" and list American social and political movements throughout history. They examine one model of a successful team and positive group mentality by reading and identify the traits of a successful group and those of an unsuccessful group, and compare those qualities to particular American social and political movements. They work in groups to write a newspaper article.

Young scholars research the Declaration of Independence and how it was created.  In this U.S. History lesson, students generate ideas on whether the Declaration of Independence was written by the British or the Americans, then complete various activities to support the ideas.

Students explore U.S. laws by researching Montana. In this Native American nation lesson, students read the current Federal policy regarding American Indian living arrangements in the state of Montana based upon their history. Students create a presentation they share with the class discussing the reasons for specific Native American policies.