Curated OER
Perceiving the Prairie
Twelfth graders explore the changing concept of "prairie" through written and artistic works. They write their own poem or essay describing the prairie after discussing how differently people perceive the prairie.
Curated OER
Columbus Day / Computer
Help your class explore holidays and important people. They will use a computer to find out important information on Christopher Columbus. The will research his voyages, ships, and history of that time period. They will then incorporate...
Curated OER
Classroom Potlatch
Elementary schoolers study the history and purpose of potlatches. The listen to two stories about potlatches, then design a potlatch that they will host for their family members. They must come up with the gifts they would give, the...
Curated OER
Navajo Weaving
Students explore the Navajo culture. In this Navajo Indians lesson, students gain information about their weaving and dancing. Students note the patterns in the weaving. Students create a dance that corresponds with the patterns they see...
Curated OER
Rockin? Chalk (Integrating science - make own chalk)
Students use plaster of Paris, talc, and cornstarch to create their own chalk. They hypothesize what mixture of ingredients produce the "best" chalk. Students discuss what they think are the characteristics of the "best" chalk.
Curated OER
Forward, Into the Past!
Students, during a (virtual) visit to a burial ground, think about the past by viewing tombstones as primary sources. They explain how the attitudes of Deerfield residents toward death and burial evolved from 1780-1880.
Curated OER
The Desert is Theirs: Adapting to Our Environment
Students determine how animals and people adapt to the desert environment. In this desert lesson, students review vocabulary about the desert and how humans have to make changes to accommodate their environments. They listen to and...
Curated OER
Documenting an Historic Journey
Students read and analyze journals written by Lewis and Clark. They watch and discuss a video segment, complete a graphic organizer, and write a journal entry written from the point of view of someone involved with the Lewis and Clark...
Curated OER
Create a City: An Urban Planning Exercise
Students explore the effects of population growth in Arizona. In this history lesson, students work in small groups to create a "perfect" city. Activities include examining the Arizona census results then discussing the importance...
Curated OER
Gotta Be Me
Pupils create model societies. In this social identity activity, students conduct research so that they can plan and present model societies to their classmates. The societies must include information regarding how their society will...
Curated OER
ESL Network: Exploring Racial Identity
Twelfth graders drill for the Regents Comprehensive Exam in English by answering questions about selected readings as preparation for writing essays. After answering the questions, they compose essays adhering to formal written Spanish...
Curated OER
Becoming a "Gringo" Immigrants, Language Learning and Acculturation
Young scholars examine the experience by immigrants coming to America who are Spanish-speaking. As a class, they define "Gringo" and read poems whose authors first language is Spanish. In groups, they participate in different sections...
Curated OER
Aztec Dance
Seventh graders study Aztec dance to learn about their culture and civilization. In this Aztec study lesson, 7th graders watch a video of Aztec dancers and describe the dance on an index card. Students visit a website to learn the...
Curated OER
Little House in the Census: Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder
Students view copies of the 1880 and 1900 censuses and then create and conduct their own census of their homes, comparing all three.
Curated OER
Jamestown Journey Part 4
Fourth graders review their prior knowledge from the previous lessons of this unit on Jamestown. After reading a novel, they examine and discuss the life of Pocahontas. Using the internet, they answer comprehension questions and write...
Curated OER
Talking Trees
Students investigate the ecosystem. In this environmental lesson, students read the book The Tree by Dana Lyons and list ways to save the trees. Students create a poster about saving the trees.
Curated OER
Quilts, Warmth with History
Students examine numerous quilts that show the culture and history of Nebraska. Using the internet, they view quilts from different points in history and discuss them as a class. They examine the role quilts play in discovering...
Curated OER
The Window
Students read a story entitled, "The Window," and discover how some cultures are rejected by others. Students write a letter expressing feelings of rejection and keep a journal of significant events in the story. Using a graphic...
Curated OER
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Learners use events of the time to illustrate the significance of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March.
Curated OER
Predicting the Past
Pupils study how archaeologists record the past. They discuss archaeology and artifacts. They view a list of artifacts discovered by Marquette at the Illinois Village and answer questions regarding them. They complete a test about three...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Native American Crafts for Kids
Students and teachers will enjoy the craft project ideas on this colorful site! You'll find simple instructions with illustrations on how to make a Kachina doll, canoe, totem pole, rainstick, tepee, rattle, and a bulletin board to tie it...
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.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Common Visions, Common Voices
This lesson plan gives students a chance to explore the art and literature of Indians, Africans, Mayans, and Native Americans. Provides plenty of links to photo examples, and lesson extension ideas.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Lesson: Navajo Weaving
Intergrating dance into your social studies lesson on the Navajo culture will give your learners a glimpse into another way of life. They will use their knowledge of loom weaving, Native Americans, and creative dance to express these...