Curated OER
Coming to America: Opportunities, Risks, Consequences
Students examine the immigrants of various cultures throughout the world. In groups, they identify the push and pull factors of those immigrating and the risks and consequences they are subject do when going through the immigration...
Curated OER
Japan: A Pacific Rim Neighbor
Students descirbe everyday events typical in the lives of contemporary, young, Japanese school-age children and understand some of the underlying reasons for various practices. They see that Japan and the state of Washington have many...
Curated OER
The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Students become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Students draw...
Other
Native American Heritage Month (November)
Learn about the special events that take place during this celebration of Native American culture.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Poetry of Liberation: Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo is the focus of this brief biography highlighting her poetry which concentrates on celebrating Native American women. See "Joy Harjo Activities" for more materials.
Other
Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reservation
Website of the Wikwemikong Tribe on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Provides information on their heritage, celebrations, language, and way of life.
Other
Native Peoples: Powwow 101
This article explains what a powwow is, some of its history, how native people feel about them, powwow etiquette, the music, the dances, and the regalia. (Published July-August 2004 issue)
Other
Canku Ota: Newsletter Celebrating Native America
Children of all ages will enjoy reading these authentic Native American legends. Be sure to click on "kids pages" to read other stories written by students!
A&E Television
History.com: What Is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Since 1991, dozens of cities, several universities, and a growing number of states have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day, a holiday that celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. Not by coincidence, the occasion...
A&E Television
History.com: The First Thanksgiving Celebration
[Free Registration/Login Required] Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of the American Indian: Beyond the Thanksgiving Myth [Pdf]
This study guide gives information about the Native Americans who were living in the area where the Pilgrims landed in 1620 and information about the new settlers too. The myth of the title concerns the friendly meal shared by the...
Read Works
Read Works: We're Going to a Powwow
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text describing a Native American powwow. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
A&E Television
History.com: Colonists at the First Thanksgiving Were Mostly Men Because Women Had Perished
According to this account (elements of which continue to be debated by historians, especially regarding the presence and role of Native Americans), the historic event didn't happen on the fourth Thursday in November, as it does today,...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Sioux
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Sioux, a Native American tribe. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Other
Somos Primos: Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues
Access is free. Articles explore topics such as Hispanic heritage, the Black/Latino connection, and Hispanic patriots involved in the American revolution. There is a database through which users post surnames they are hoping to trace the...
A&E Television
History.com: Why the Wampanoag Signed a Peace Treaty With the Mayflower Pilgrims
The peace accord, which would be honored on both sides for the next half-century, was the first official treaty between English settlers and Native Americans, and a rare example of cooperation between the two groups. On the orders of...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Indiana
"Indiana means 'land of the Indians'" Who has the "longest-running Fourth of July celebration?" Come and check out this site and find out more about the Hoosier state.
PBS
Pbs: Lewis and Clark: Walla Walla Indians
What good hosts the Walla Walla Indians were to the Corps of Discovery. Read about the gifts exchanged and the celebrations held when Lewis, Clark, and their men stopped by for a visit. From PBS.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Pueblos
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Pueblo people of the American Southwest. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Read Works
Read Works: Give Thanks
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Thanksgiving Day, how it originated and how it is celebrated today. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Chickasaw Cultural Center: The Heartbeat of a Nation
The Chickasaw Cultural Center's stated purpose is to celebrate Chickasaw history and culture. The best way to explore what it has to offer is to view the many videos (the link is at the bottom of the page) which tour the features of the...
Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Primary Source Set: Thanksgiving
A set of primary documents that reflect the Mayflower, Plymouth, Puritans, the first Thanksgiving, and legislation for the holiday.
PBS
Pbs: About All You Can Eat: A Feast at Plimouth Plantation
A lesson in the culinary delicacies of the Plymouth Plantation in 1627. For this integrated lesson, students examine the history of foods eaten during this colonial era and prepare an actual meal based on what they have learned. This...
Miami University
Nawpa: Authors' Roundtable
This site covers an informal discussion about Vera Mantuel and Shirley Cheechoo by the leaders of a conference called "Celebration of Native Women Playwrights".