Lesson Plans
Decoding History Through Indigenous Art
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: 9-12In this lesson students will explore pictographs and petroglyphs, created by Indigenous peoples, to understand how the geographic location and physical environment can impact the medium that is used to document human experiences. They will then create a visual of their own, sharing their life in images. Through small and…
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Does Modern Mean Better? Comparing “Modern” and “Traditional” Economic Models Through the Lens of Long-Term Sustainability
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: 9-12The lesson will be designed to compare the prevailing “Western” free market economic development model, based on competition, consumerism, and resource depletion, to various examples of traditional-Indigenous economic development models which are based on principals of balance, reciprocity, conservation, and resource sustainability. Students will compare examples of Indigenous economies with…
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Exploring Indigenous Cultures and Creation Stories
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures by exploring a variety of creation stories. They will recognize the diversity and significance of these narratives and how they reflect cultural identity. It is important that students understand that all creation stories should be respected as an important aspect…
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Hand Talk – Native American Sign Language
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5Students will learn about and practice Hand Talk, Native American Sign Language, with a focus on the most extensively researched and documented Native American sign language, Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL). Students will investigate this form of communication, used by both deaf and hearing Native Americans, that thrived for centuries…
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Indigenous Culture Through Stories
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5In this lesson, students will learn about two Indigenous cultures by listening to two stories. While they are listening, they will determine the theme of the stories. After listening to the stories, students will compare the characters in the stories by using evidence from the stories. At the end of…
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Indigenous Food Systems as Models for Conservation & Restoration
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: 9-12Globally, Indigenous communities currently, or have historically, relied upon and stewarded biodiverse ecosystems for food procurement. In this lesson, students will explore projects seeking to restore agricultural and wild harvest methods in various parts of the United States. They will learn the historical context of why such practices were prohibited,…
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Iroquois Confederacy’s Impact on the United States Constitution
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: 9-12This lesson will focus on Native American government structures, specifically the Iroquois Confederacy, and the influence of those structures on the formation of the government of the United States of America. We will also address reasons why these contributions are not stressed in American education. At the conclusion of the…
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Legacy Unfolded: From Onslow’s Indigenous Beginnings to Today’s Tapestry
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5Students will learn and understand how the story of Onslow County, North Carolina began and how it continues to unfold from exploring the cultures and lifestyle of early Woodland natives to present-day inhabitants. Topics explored will include: Prehistoric Onslow County-Building of the land Early Inhabitants of Onslow County (Woodland Culture)…
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Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices Through Storytelling
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5Students will learn how Indigenous people address healthy lifestyle choices through storytelling by focusing on characters, themes, and personification. Students will use the YouTube version of the Eagle Book Series written by Georgia Perez. The Eagle Book Series allows young readers to see healthy lifestyle choices. The author developed these…
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NC Lumbee Tribe Homecoming: A Comparison of Celebrations and Culture
Year: 2023-2024 | Level: K-5Through discussion, students will see that celebrations are a way for communities to share their culture with not only the next generation but with others not of their culture. Students will begin by explaining their personal Fourth of July celebrations and the reasons or purpose behind celebrating this day. Students…
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