National Museum of the American Indian
Lone Dog's Winter Count: Keeping History Alive
What is oral tradition, and what unique tool did the Native Americans of the Northern Great Plains use to help them remember their complex histories? Through pictograph analysis, discussion, research, and an engaging hands-on activity,...
Incredible Art Department
Story Tellers - "Passing on the Traditions"
It's important for young people to learn about their ancestry and the role of storytelling as a means of passing along traditions, information, and lessons. Based on what they already learned about Native American oral tradition,...
Curated OER
Sharing Their Stories: Native American Literature and Culture in 19th Century America
Students investigate Native American culture reading and writing about early Native American authors. They listen to an expert to extend their understanding of the culture.
Curated OER
Native Lands: Indians in Georgia, How Do We Know What We Know?
Students examine Native American oral traditions. In this Georgia history lesson, students discuss Native American oral traditions and research stories of migration. Students create their own oral history projects that feature their...
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Cinderella Stories - Native American Cinderella Stories
Students examine a Native American Cinderella story. In this Cinderella lesson, students listen to and compare Rafe Martin's, The Rough Face Girl, to other Cinderella stories. They complete the associated worksheets, role play scenes...
Curated OER
A Native American Legend
Students compare the Native American version of Cinderella to the more popular version they know. They compare legends with fairy tales and explore character traits and discuss the meaning of good character. They write a fairy tale of...
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Cultural Lit. 30: The Constitution & Native Americans
Students identify and consider United States Constitutional origins in American Indian culture.
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Places Of Power
Fourth graders investigate the Native American religious concept of Sacred Landscapes. The use of natural resources and religious rites is researched using a variety of sources. They discuss the importance of geographical places in the...
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Oral Histories
Students interview local Native Americans to explore their history, culture, and contributions to the region. They contact a local Native American organization, conduct an interview with a volunteer and write thank-you notes.
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Comparing Units of Measurement
Fourth graders investigate the units of measurement used by various Native American tribes before they had contact with the Europeans. They write research questions, conduct research using a variety of resources, in small groups write a...
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Between the Rivers
Second graders compare and contrast historical American cultures. In this American history lesson, 2nd graders participate in reading, writing, oral, and hands on activities. Students discuss the similarities and differences between...
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Theatre: Oral Traditions
Students investigate cultural traditions. In this multi-cultural lesson, students discuss various cultures and research their traditions.
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Indians in Georgia: How Do We Know What We Know?
Students discover archaeology by investigating the history of Native Americans in Georgia. Â In this U.S. history lesson, students participate in a mock archaeological excavation in their classroom by recovering artifacts and drawings...
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Lost Creek- Sacred Landscapes
Eighth graders engage in the discovery of the meaning of Sacred Landscapes. The religious concept is researched for its impact upon the practices of Native Americans and the geographical regions. They write reflection papers upon the...
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You Gotta Know the Territory
Students examine the relationship between Native Americans and those who settled the Iowa territory. In this Iowa history lesson, students investigate the process for settling the territory and how intercultural relationships developed...
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The Old North Trail
Young scholars engage in a activity to find information about the old trails of North America that were used by Native Americans. Specifically, they conduct research to find the history of The Old North Trail. The teacher shares several...
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Role Models - Grade 8
Eighth graders research Elders as role models. In this native studies lesson, 8th graders select Elders of the First Nations and research their contributions to society. Students create posters featuring the their findings and present...
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Navajo Shoe Game
Young scholars in a Navajo community research the traditional shoe game. They interview community elders and find out how shoe game is played and the songs that are sung while playing it. They attend a shoe game and compare their...
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A Taste of the Caribbean
Pupils are introduced to the foods and traditions of the Caribbean. In groups, they brainstorm their own definition of culture and review the physical and political geography of the Caribbean. They spend time sampling different foods...
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Timeline In Indian Education
Students investigate the history of education for Native Americans. The roles of adults is the focus and how they delivered instruction to upcoming generations. Students focus upon the skill of oral tradition and write a summary of the...
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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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Myth, Legend and Folklore
Students examine the role of myths and folklore in the Native American culture. They listen to examples of oral history and write their own. They share their story with the class.
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Athabaskan Migration & Bering Strait
Students study Athabaskan migration patterns and the Bering Strait Land Bridge theory. They investigate the importance of the expansion of trade and compare the differences between American Indian oral tradition accounts of origin and...
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OK in Oklahoma? All-Black Communities
Students read to discover the African-American migration to Oklahoma following the Civil War and the eventual settlements of thirty-two all-black towns. To present their findings, students will write position papers and participate in...