Teens and tweens are invited to become changemakers in a five-lesson unit, asking them to investigate and share what they have learned about exemplary, contemporary Native Americans. They gather facts about their research subject, record them on a graffiti wall, and then produce a video to inform others about these often overlooked changemakers.

Concepts

native american culture, native american history, native american tribes, native americans, north american native americans, careers

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Instructional Ideas

• Use during Native American Heritage Month in November or during a careers study 
• For Lesson One, create learning stations for Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Chief Lynn Malerba, and Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and have groups rotate through the centers
• Set aside extra prep time to review the entire 52-page packet, assemble and prepare all the materials, and set up the learning centers required for the five lessons in the unit

Classroom Considerations

• Although designed for remote learning, the lesson is appropriate for in-classroom learning as well
• Requires projection equipment for the videos
• Class members need access to devices with internet for their research and to create their videos
• Each of the five lessons has its own set of materials

Pros

• Links are provided to information about the changemakers researchers will investigate
• Includes suggestions for how to create the videos
• The unit is richly detailed and carefully scaffolded

Cons

• None