Curated OER
Reconstructing Artifacts
Students investigate artifacts and reconstruct them. In this artifact lesson, students research archaeologists and Native American groups. Students plan a design for a clay pot which represent the Native American artifact.
Curated OER
Sand Painted Teepees
Second graders create "Sand Painted teepees" using sand, paper, glue, and information about Native American culture in this 2nd grade Art lesson. The lesson includes a vocabulary list, a materials list, a resource link, and a short...
Curated OER
Who Cares About the Forest?
Students explore the natural environment and people's views, in particular the Native Americans. In this environment lesson students discover the many uses of wood as it pertains to our natural resources.
Curated OER
Mountain Myths
Students become familiar with Native American myths and legends created to explain volcanic activity. They apply the clustering, writing process and peer-editing techniques to the writing of an original myth about Mount St. Helens
Curated OER
The Three Faces of William Penn
Students analyze art depicting William Penn. They analyze three different paintings discussing the symbolism, artistic elements, and depiction of Native Americans in each painting.
Curated OER
What Was Columbus Thinking?
Why is Christopher Columbus one of the most studied figures in history? Upper graders will investigate why Christopher Columbus traveled to the New World and what happened to the native people he encountered. They read and discuss...
Curated OER
Queen Anne's War and Its Impact on Deerfield
Students researchhow Queen Ann's War of Europe affect Native Americans in New England. After reading excerpts from History of Deerfiel by George Sheldon and Nuthatch's Dilemma, a story about a Pocumtuck woman, students are prepared to...
Curated OER
John Smith Map Lesson Plan
Fourth graders answer questions about John Smith, and also they figure out what was necessary are needed for surviival. Students are given a replica of Smith's 1612 map, they then answer questions using the map as their resource. ...
Curated OER
Nobody Really Won
Young scholars watch a video on "Custer's Last Stand" written with the perspective of the soldier. They listen to the story of "Red Hawk's Last Account" to become aware of the Native American's perspective. In groups, students create...
Curated OER
Culture Club Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? Do You Really Want To Make Me Cry?
Fourth graders investigate cultural differences and determine how this knowledge will help resolve conflicts. They look at how the history of Kentucky was influenced by Native Americans. They design a conflict resolution presentation...
Curated OER
Sense Of Place
Young scholars study ecology, listen to speakers and research conservation topics. In this investigative lesson students discuss wilderness resources, learn about Native Americans and participate in activities that help them to better...
Curated OER
Coming to America
Through this set of three lessons about Ellis Island, class members will learn about why immigrants came to the United States, find out about the difficulties that went along with coming to America, become familiar with the immigration...
Smithsonian Institution
Dia de los Muertos: Celebrating and Remembering
Help scholars understand the history, geography, traditions, and art of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Find background information for your reference as well as a detailed cross-curricular lesson plan. Learners compare...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving: Multiple Perspectives
Students examine different perspectives about Thanksgiving that include those of the European Settlers and the Native Americans. They read and discuss an article about Plymouth being "America's Hometown." They develop a landmark for...
Curated OER
Sculpture: Statues, Monuments, and More
Students explore some of the components of sculpture through a variety of artists and their artwork. The six lessons of this unit utilize the sculptures experienced when students were studying American history and the Native Americans.
Curated OER
European Explorers of North and South America
Sixth graders explore the connection between the geography of America and the migration of the Native Americans to the American continents to the future conquering of the continents by the Europeans. They discuss the causes and effects...
Curated OER
Mini Masks: Ceramics
Masks have been used for many reasons throughout human history. They are also great subjects for art projects! Included here are instructions, background information, and all the supplies needed to create mini masks in your class.
Lee & Low Books
Classroom Guide for Sacred Mountain: Everest
The most famous climbers of Mount Everest could never have made it to the summit without the assistance of the local Sherpa. Christine Taylor-Butler's nonfiction children's book Sacred Mountain: Everest is the focus of an extensive...
Curated OER
Oregon Trail Art
Students describe events that happened on the Oregon Trail and in the daily lives of Native Americans by writing a narrative essay of a family traveling through Nebraska based on Thomas Hart Benton's paintings.
Curated OER
Bring Out the Parasols: Skin Cancer Awareness in the Classroom
Incorporate history, science, and practical sense into teaching kids about the effects of the sun.
Curated OER
Pack your Parfleche!
Imagine you are a Plains Indian, a nomad getting ready to follow a herd of buffalo. Now imagine what you would have to pack for your trip. Little ones examine images of a traditional parfleche (packing box), and then create packing lists...
Curated OER
The Railroads and Settlement of the Great Plains
Enhance your American literature unit with this resource, in which readers access the Nebraska Studies website and read about "Railroads and Settlement." They search for a photograph of some aspect of the railroad from the Prairie...
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
A Sense of Belonging
In order to understand how the land changes over time because of the people who live there, learners interview an elderly person about the past. Children ask an older family member to describe what the local area was like when they were...
Curated OER
Create your own Parfleche!
What is a parfleche? It is a box used by the Plains Indians to carry goods as they traveled. First, the class will discuss the uses of these highly ornate boxes and the nature of the Plains Indians' nomadic lifestyle. Then, the class...