To understand how the allotment policy embedded in the Dawes Act, passed by the U.S. government in 1887,  affected the tribal sovereignty of Native Americans, young historians examine various maps and documents and Supreme Court cases and engage in a simulation that demonstrates the land loss.  To conclude the lesson, learners create three emojis representing the government's perspective of the allotment policy and three representing the Native American perspective.

Concepts

native american culture, native american history, native american tribes, native americans, american history, making inferences, inferences, making observations

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Instructional Ideas

• The lesson is complex; set aside extra prep time to practice the allotment activity to be able to guide class members
• Print and laminate the honeycomb cards to permit reuse

Classroom Considerations

• Projection equipment is needed for the presentation and the video
• Class members require devices with internet access

Pros

• The teacher notes provide alternatives for how to conduct the lesson

Cons

• Some learners may need additional scaffolding to understand the connections between the lesson and the emoji activity