Curated OER
Traditions and Languages of Three Native Cultures: Tlingit, Lakota, and Cherokee
Young scholars explore the connections between tradition and language. They examine the environment, history and culture of the Tlingit, Lakota and Cherokee tribes and identify the importance of maintaining languages for oral traditions.
Curated OER
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
A instructional activity looks closely at the history and importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Scholars view an engaging video, then create a book that celebrates Native Americans. Thoughtful discussion and research highlight their...
Curated OER
Introduction to Korea
Students explore the culture of Korea. In this Korean culture activity, students examine visual and textual works regarding Korea. Students also examine dance, architecture, and food of the country.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Becoming an Animal
The Kwakwaka'wakw are indigenous people from Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The class analyzes a Kwakwak'wakw ceremonial mask, how it was used, and its cultural significance. They then create animal masks representing their...
Curated OER
A Visit to Japan
Learners are introduced to the culture and geography of Japan in his ten lessons unit. The cultures of indigenous peoples in various times in their local community are explored through a variety of art forms, listening, writing, and...
Curated OER
Why Are Celebrations Important?
Young scholars complete a variety of activities in their study of Chinese culture. They explore the Chinese New Year, zodiac, calligraphy, dragon kites, lanterns, games, and songs among others.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Hopi Poetry
The Hopi refer to corn as their children, demonstrating its importance to the Native American group. Class members consider the role of literal and figurative language by examining poetry from this indigenous group. The resource includes...
Sargent Art
Destination Art: Paper Mola Collage
The Kuna Indians hail from the San Blas Island near Panama. Learners will investigate their culture by creating paper mola collages, just like the ones created by the indigenous Panamanians. They'll focus on understanding the symbolism...
Curated OER
Plains Indians
Students design a realistic replica of a Crow or Kiowa circular shield. They examine the material culture of the Plains Indians and the role of shields for the Crow and Kiowa. They study animal symbolism as used by North America's...
Curated OER
Be Who Your Are
An engaging video begins a lesson all about the representation of Native Americans in all types of careers. Following a discussion about the video, scholars participate in a gallery walk showcasing various Native American figures. Pupils...
Curated OER
Traditional Uses of Wood
First graders explore properties of wood used to make cultural items and make a ring and stick game.
Curated OER
People and Plants
Pupils examine the uses of plants from many different biomes, particularly, rain forests to uncover data about the production of new drugs and the cross-cultural sharing of foods. A rain forest food festival reinforces the concept of...
Curated OER
Flora, Fauna, and the Passing Seasons
Students discover representations in art, religion and cultural practices of the flora and fauna of specific geographical regions in this early elementary lesson plan. The lesson ends with a mural project by the entire class.
Curated OER
Nature and Haiku Poetry
Students compose haiku poems and recognize how cultures value nature and
natural forces through the study of Japanese poetry. This instructional activity includes a bibliography of resources.
Curated OER
Bark Art
Learners examine Aborigines, a group of people indigenous, or native, to Australia. They view examples of Aboriginal bark art and create pictures in the style of Aboriginal bark art.
Curated OER
Valley of the Butterflies
First graders explore why butterfly populations in Idaho's Lapwai Valley have decreased.
Curated OER
Teaching Creation Myths
Students examine various creation myths from around the world. They compare/contrast the myths, write their own creation stories, and present their myths to the class in the form of storytelling, role-playing, dance, or a puppet show.
Curated OER
Weather/Climate
Students examine traditional Native American weather/climate knowledge. They keep a weather journal and research cloud cover.
Curated OER
Shinto, Stones, and the Garden
Students examine how Shinto and Buddhism are reflected in the Japanese art and life-style, especially as seen in the relationship people have with the land (gardens). This lesson is for the elementary classroom.
Curated OER
Tree Anatomy
Students learn the basic anatomy of a tree through exploration of tree centers.
Curated OER
Animals in Art
Young scholars look at how animals are shown in literature and art as representing emotions, telling a story, or sending a message in this elementary school Language Arts and Visual Arts lesson.