Curated OER
Navajo Code Talkers
Students investigate the Navajo Code Talkers and their role in World War II. They complete a Webquest, explore various websites, encode a short message, analyze maps, answer discussion questions, and read newspaper articles about secure...
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The Navajo Homeland
Learners identify the historical and traditional location of the Navajo Homeland. They study the four original clans system and the development of other adopted clans, e.g. Nakai Dine (Mexican), Notahi Dine(Ute), Ozii Dine (Hopi); and,...
K20 LEARN
How Did We Get Here? Native Americans in the United States
High schoolers imagine what their lives would be like if they had no access to potable water and watch a morning news show about the water situation on a Navajo reservation. Groups investigate the policies that lead to the lack of water...
Curated OER
Cultural Lit. 7: Expand Weather Conditions Vocabulary
Second graders study and observe weather. They identify weather related vocabulary in Navajo, Ute, Spanish and English after working in direct instruction and small group activities.
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Should Art Be for Art's Sake?
Students examine how European-America aestheticians (philosophers of art) do not all agree about the value and definition of art. students examine how some cultures do not have a distinct word or definition for art.
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Correspondence
Young scholars write a pen pal letter to narrate a special event in the life of a young person in the TL culture. In this pen pal lesson plan, students read and respond to letters by their classmates.
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Sacred Art
High schoolers view a PowerPoint about Tibetan monks to help them explain the culture's world views, myths and religious beliefs. They investigate Navajo sand paintings and compare how they are similar to the Tibetan monks' artwork.
Curated OER
Mixing Up the Melting Pot
Students examine the cultures of indigenous peoples and how they have or have not assimilated into modern society. They create reports with recommendations on how the Nukak of Columbia could be assimilated into society.
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Understanding and Fighting Stereotypes through Words and Images
Use some provocative modern art to get your class considering stereotypes and the impact they have on us all. Your class will discuss the print art Indian Look-Alike by Melanie Yazzie and stereotypes in general before...
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Exploring the History of Canyon De Chelly: The Navajos
Students are introduced to the novel Sing Down The Moon written by Scott O'Dell. Throughout the book, after each chapter is read, class discussions and journal writing is incorporated into the unit.
Global Oneness Project
Today’s Native America
The 2016-2017 protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) motivated Camille Seaman to create "We Are Still Here," a photo essay featuring portraits of contemporary Native Americans who protested the pipeline. This eight-page...
Curated OER
Paper Coil Baskets
Have your class learn about basket making with this resource. Learners talk about the techniques used to make baskets in Native American cultures. Then, they make baskets using paper coils. The results are attractive.
Curated OER
Native American Vocabulary Quiz
Learning about Native American culture? Consider using this matching exercise either as a quiz (as it's labelled) or simply independent practice. Kids recall the meanings of 11 vocabulary words: compromise, wampum, ceremony, hogan,...
Curated OER
Navajo Shoe Game
Students 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 research to...
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Fort Sumner and the Navajo Long Walk
Students research the Fort Sumner campaign against the Navajo; why the campaign took place; the details of the forced march to Fort Sumner; conditions at Fort Sumner; length of imprisonment; details of life in prison, and circumstances...
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The U.S. & Navajo Bills of Rights
Students are introduced to the United States and Navajo Bill of Rights. In groups, they compare and contrast the two documents and take notes to share with the class. To end the lesson, they write in their journals about their own...
Curated OER
History & Civics Lesson for Grades 5-7
Students become aware of the culture, lifestyles and attitudes of Native American kids living on the Crow, Navajo and Nez Perce; reservations.
K20 LEARN
Word Warriors: The Code Talkers of Oklahoma
The battle between code makers and code breakers has been going on for centuries and is a key tool of warfare. The contributions of the Native American Code Talkers of World Wars I and II are celebrated in a lesson that features a...
Curated OER
Navajo Poetry
Students listen to Navajo poetry and create various responses to what they have heard. Students may create an illustration for the poems, create an original work of poetry, or write about how the poem relates to Native American culture.
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Rock Art
First graders create and share their own rock art. They listen and read stories: "Mathematics from Many Cultures" and "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush."
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Native Americans in Utah History: Research Project
Students research the basic cultural information available on the various Native American cultures of Utah. They investigate the historical time period, shelters, weapons, tools, foods and methods of obtaining food.
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Birthday Celebrations
Young scholars utilize a new language to discuss dates and birthdays. In this foreign language instructional activity, students practice using vocabulary words from a target language to speak about birthdays and culture related to...
Curated OER
Sand Painting
Students explore Navajo traditions and art. In this sand painting lesson, students discuss Navajo rituals and traditions prior to designing a sand painting that is representative of the Navajo ideal of the hozho.
Smithsonian Institution
Borders within the United States: Indian Boarding Schools and Assimilation
Native American Nations ... sovereign entities or removable tribes? A thought-provoking lesson explores the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States, including forced assimilation and removal from their ancestral...