TeachersFirst Native Americans' Contributions to American Culture
Native Americans, the indigenous peoples of North America, have had a huge impact on the fabric of American culture, shaping the nation's identity in countless ways. This comprehensive collection of resources offers a deep dive into the indigenous peoples’ influence on the United States, spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day. From agricultural innovations and environmental stewardship to art, language, and political thought, these materials highlight the diverse and significant impacts of hundreds of distinct tribal nations. This curation includes a selection of historical documents, oral traditions, archaeological findings, and more in the fields of medicine, military service, literature, music, and cuisine. It serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ongoing importance of Native peoples in shaping American culture and identity.
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Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History - American Battlefield Trust
Grades
6 to 12
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The American Battlefield Trust's "Here from the Start: Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History" illuminates the deep and multifaceted role Indigenous peoples have...more
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The American Battlefield Trust's "Here from the Start: Native Americans' Complex Contributions to Military History" illuminates the deep and multifaceted role Indigenous peoples have played in shaping early American conflicts, from the colonial wars through the Civil War. Highlighting figures such as Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker and groups like the Cherokee and Navajo code talkers, the resource charts how tribes participated, resisted, and sometimes suffered greatly across pivotal moments in US history. It also emphasizes ongoing preservation efforts at notable sites once inhabited by Native Americans or that witnessed their service in places like Sand Creek, Cabin Creek, Wood Lake, and Chattanooga in partnership with tribal communities.
tag(s): battles (19), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Have students create a map using Google My Maps reviewed here showing locations of key battles or military sites involving Native American tribes, identifying which tribes were involved and their roles in the conflict. Assign students to research key individuals mentioned, such as Lt. Col. Ely S. Parker or the Navajo Code Talkers. Students can present short biographies using Sutori reviewed here explaining their contributions to US military history. Provide students with primary source quotes or documents related to Native American military service and ask them to analyze the perspectives, motivations, and consequences reflected in the text.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today - San Diego2
Grades
4 to 12
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today"...more
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Imagine a world without aspirin, bridges, or syringes--many of these innovations have roots in Indigenous innovation. The article "Native American Inventions That We Still Use Today" from SD2 explores remarkable contributions by Native American communities that have shaped modern life in ways often overlooked. From suspension bridges crafted from woven grass to natural remedies and early contraceptive methods, this resource sheds light on the sophisticated science and practical problem-solving of Native peoples. It's a powerful tool for teachers looking to highlight the lasting impact of Native American innovation in STEM and social studies classrooms.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131), STEM (353)
In the Classroom
Set up small stations where students explore simplified versions of Native inventions (e.g., bridge-building with string and sticks, examining plant-based remedies). Have them rotate and reflect on how each item serves a purpose today. Have students compare one Native American invention with a similar invention from another culture. Create a Venn diagram using Whimsical Mind Maps, reviewed here and discuss what materials were used, why the invention was needed, and how culture shaped the design. Students choose one invention from the article and create a display poster showing its origin, the problem it solved, and its modern-day equivalent or use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Native American and Indigenous inventions that changed the world - Vincent Schilling
Grades
4 to 12
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation...more
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This video offers a captivating exploration of ten Native American inventions that have had a lasting influence on modern life. Narrated with vivid visuals, it frames Indigenous innovation as far-reaching and profound, starting with how early Europeans reacted to these contributions in the 1500s. Viewers learn how traditional inventions, from medicinal remedies and simple mechanical tools to communal sports and practical everyday items, trace their origins to Native American ingenuity, challenging outdated myths about where creativity and technology come from. Please note: If your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable. You may need to find an alternative platform or secure administrative permission for students to view it.
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tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Have students create a visual timeline using Sutori, reviewed here showcasing each of the ten inventions featured in the video, including the Indigenous group it originated from and its modern counterpart. In small groups, have students select one invention (e.g., syringes, lacrosse, hammocks) and create posters comparing its original form to how it is used today, including function, materials, and impact. Inspired by Indigenous creativity, challenge students to invent a new tool or concept that solves a modern problem.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Contributions of Native Americans - Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today - Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Center
Grades
4 to 12
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and...more
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This lesson-ready video offers a compelling overview of Native American inventions and cultural contributions that continue to influence modern society. Through engaging visuals and narration, students gain insight into how innovations, ranging from medicine to everyday technologies, shaped both Indigenous communities and later generations. Please note that if your district blocks access to YouTube, the video will not be viewable, and an alternative platform or workaround may be needed.
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tag(s): cultures (289), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Create cards with Native American inventions on one set and their modern uses on another. Have students match them and explain how the original idea is still relevant today. Ask students to write a creative first-person journal from the perspective of a Native American who developed an innovation, describing the problem they solved and how others reacted. Have students compare Native American contributions to similar innovations from other cultures, discussing how different societies solve similar problems. Create a Venn diagram with Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National American Indian Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12
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The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage...more
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The Library of Congress's "History and Overview" guide offers educators a well-researched summary of the origins and evolution of what is now known as National American Indian Heritage Month. It traces the observance's transformation from a week-long recognition in 1986 to its official designation as a month in November 1990, following congressional legislation and presidential proclamations. This resource outlines the legal acts, executive proclamations, and changes in terminology from "American Indian Heritage Month" to "Native American Heritage Month" that reflect ongoing legislative and cultural developments in honoring Native peoples.
tag(s): native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Using links in the Library of Congress guide or other primary sources from LOC.gov, assign students to locate and summarize one presidential proclamation or congressional resolution related to Native American Heritage Month. Students create a digital poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here or a paper poster that honors Native American Heritage Month, incorporating quotes from proclamations, historical facts from the site, and symbolic imagery. These can be displayed around the school or shared in a class gallery walk. Have students create a timeline using Canva's Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or MyLens, reviewed here showing key milestones from the website, such as legislative acts, presidential proclamations, and name changes (e.g., from "American Indian Week" to "Native American Heritage Month").Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Native American Inventions Commonly Used Today - History Education
Grades
4 to 12
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Innovations ranging from durable kayaks and snow goggles to natural medicines and staple crops demonstrate the advanced engineering, medical knowledge, and agricultural practices developed...more
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Innovations ranging from durable kayaks and snow goggles to natural medicines and staple crops demonstrate the advanced engineering, medical knowledge, and agricultural practices developed by diverse Native American tribal nations long before European contact. The article from History Education highlights how these inventions supported survival and daily life across varied environments from Arctic regions to South America and influenced broader global practices. Updated as recently as November 2025, the piece offers educators a rich resource to broaden students' understanding of Indigenous contributions to technology and society.
tag(s): inventors and inventions (87), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Create cards with the name of an Indigenous invention on one set and its use or purpose on the other. Then, have students work in pairs or small groups to match the items, and then discuss how each invention addressed specific environmental or cultural needs. Have students create a visual timeline using Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here showing the development of Indigenous inventions, including their original purposes and any modern equivalents (e.g., kayaks, syringes, baby bottles, snow goggles). Challenge students to redesign a Native American invention using both traditional and modern materials. They can present their designs through drawings, models, or digital presentations using Delightex, reviewed here, explaining the science or engineering behind them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Native Pride Dancers - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 8
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Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and...more
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Bring Indigenous culture to life in your classroom with the Kennedy Center's "Larry & Jessup Yazzie: Native Pride Dancers" multimedia resource, which showcases traditional eagle and hoop dances performed by Larry Yazzie, a Meskwaki tribal member, and his son, Jessup. Through powerful movement and meaningful storytelling, the Yazzies explain the cultural symbolism behind their dances, regalia, and traditions. This engaging resource is ideal for grades K-8. It includes a YouTube performance and a discussion, along with grade-specific lesson extensions. It's an excellent tool for integrating Indigenous perspectives into lessons on dance, culture, and visual arts.
tag(s): cultures (289), dance (42), native americans (131), stories and storytelling (72)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to choreograph a short dance that tells a story about nature or community, drawing inspiration from the hoop and eagle dances. They can perform live or create a video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Ask students to write a narrative, poem, or journal entry from the perspective of a dancer preparing for a ceremonial performance, incorporating sensory details and cultural themes. Pair this resource with another traditional dance (e.g., Irish step dance or West African drumming) and have students complete a Venn diagram using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here to compare movements, costumes, and cultural origins.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Keith Bear: Flute Maker - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 1
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Step into the soulful world of Native American music with "Keith Bear: Flute Maker," a compelling multimedia feature from the Kennedy Center. Musician, storyteller, and flute maker...more
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Step into the soulful world of Native American music with "Keith Bear: Flute Maker," a compelling multimedia feature from the Kennedy Center. Musician, storyteller, and flute maker Keith Bear of the Mandan-Hidatsa tribes shares his journey of reconnecting with ancestral traditions through flute making and storytelling. The YouTube video offers rich cultural context, from the craftsmanship of traditional flutes to the significance of song and ceremony. With classroom-friendly guidance, this resource helps educators integrate music, history, and Indigenous culture into their lessons.
tag(s): cultures (289), musical instruments (60), native americans (131), stories and storytelling (72)
In the Classroom
Using straws or paper tubes, guide students in constructing simple flute-like models to help them understand the structure of wind instruments and the craftsmanship behind traditional flutes. Have students write short stories or poems inspired by nature, then choose classroom instruments (or vocal sounds) to represent different parts of their story, mirroring how Keith Bear uses flute music to tell cultural stories. Ask students to think of a piece of music that reminds them of someone or something meaningful. Have them write a short personal narrative, just as Keith Bear connects flute playing to memory and family traditions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Navajo Weaving - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 2
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The Kennedy Center's "Navajo Weaving" resource introduces young students to the art and cultural tradition of Navajo weaving through hands-on and movement-based activities. The lesson...more
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The Kennedy Center's "Navajo Weaving" resource introduces young students to the art and cultural tradition of Navajo weaving through hands-on and movement-based activities. The lesson includes detailed teacher plans, a slide presentation, background information on Navajo culture, visuals of traditional textiles, and suggestions for connecting weaving patterns to choreographed movement. These resources support an engaging, cross-curricular experience that blends art, culture, and kinesthetic learning.
tag(s): cultures (289), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Show examples of Navajo weaving patterns and have students search for similar shapes or patterns around the classroom or in a picture collage. Using the lesson plan, guide students in creating simple paper weavings with construction paper, mirroring the color patterns and symmetry found in traditional Navajo textiles. Use the provided slide presentation to discuss the cultural importance of Navajo weaving. Have students respond with drawings or a short verbal reflection on what they found interesting or beautiful.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore - The Kennedy Center
Grades
6 to 8
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The Kennedy Center's "Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore" resource invites students to choreograph movements inspired by poetry written by Indigenous and Native Peoples of North America....more
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The Kennedy Center's "Swoop, Lift & Leap to the Lore" resource invites students to choreograph movements inspired by poetry written by Indigenous and Native Peoples of North America. It encourages cultural appreciation, creative expression, and kinesthetic learning. The site includes videos and detailed lesson plans to guide instruction; however, if your district blocks YouTube, the videos will not be viewable.
tag(s): cultures (289), dance (42), native americans (131), poetry (194)
In the Classroom
Read a short poem aloud and have students respond with spontaneous gestures that reflect keywords or emotions to introduce the concept of expressing language through movement. In small groups, have students select a poem by an Indigenous author and choreograph a short movement piece that conveys its imagery, rhythm, and meaning, following the lesson plan. Host a classroom performance day where students share their choreography and give constructive feedback based on interpretation, creativity, and cultural respect.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Experience: Native Americans - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12
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The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures,...more
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The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous communities in the United States. Topics covered include the forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears, the impact of government-run boarding schools on Indigenous children, Native American involvement in the Civil War, and the American Indian Movement's role in events like the Wounded Knee occupation. These materials offer valuable insights to enhance classroom discussions and promote a deeper understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues.
tag(s): civil war (143), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
After exploring topics like the Trail of Tears or Native American boarding schools, have students create a timeline using Timeline, reviewed here or Timelinely, reviewed here that includes both historical events and modern Indigenous rights movements or cultural revivals. After viewing a clip on government-run boarding schools, students can write a fictionalized journal entry from the perspective of an Indigenous child attending one of these schools, using historical details to guide their writing. Using inspiration from the We Shall Remain series, instruct students to create a digital collage using PhotoCollage, reviewed here or short video using Animoto, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Monah - Monah
Grades
9 to 12
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Monah offers lessons on the First People, including the Black Kettle and the Washita River Massacre, The Sterilization of Native American Women in Oklahoma, The Tonkawa People: A Retracing...more
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Monah offers lessons on the First People, including the Black Kettle and the Washita River Massacre, The Sterilization of Native American Women in Oklahoma, The Tonkawa People: A Retracing of Steps from Texas to Oklahoma, Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I, Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty, and Osage Massacres and Gender Roles. Lesson plans include an introduction, materials, learning objectives, slides, quizzes, websites, primary sources, and map activities.
tag(s): 1800s (84), 1900s (83), 1910s (26), 1920s (25), 1930s (40), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lessons presented as they are from the site. They can also take a virtual tour of the Museum of Native American History Monah Virtual Tour. Students can also compare two different groups/tribes of Native Americans. Compare using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Indigenous Rights and Controversy over Hawaii's Maunakea Telescope - Facing History & Ourselves
Grades
6 to 12
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Facing History & Ourselves Indigenous Rights and Controversy over Hawaii's Maunakea Telescope offers a free lesson on why the Native Hawaiians opposed its construction. The lesson...more
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Facing History & Ourselves Indigenous Rights and Controversy over Hawaii's Maunakea Telescope offers a free lesson on why the Native Hawaiians opposed its construction. The lesson gives a historical context for understanding the protests against constructing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea. The site includes two activities, a handout, articles, and videos. The lesson itself is adaptable and can be shared on Google Classroom.
tag(s): hawaii (9), native americans (131), telescopes (13)
In the Classroom
Students can engage in the lesson as it is on the website. Students can create a timeline using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students can debate these issues by providing reasons for or against them. Students can use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Coyote Story - Crow Animations
Grades
4 to 8
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The video "Coyote Story" tells the story of Coyote discovering a group of ducks and devising a plan to trick them. This traditional Chippewa tale, shared in the Ojibwe storytelling...more
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The video "Coyote Story" tells the story of Coyote discovering a group of ducks and devising a plan to trick them. This traditional Chippewa tale, shared in the Ojibwe storytelling tradition, aims to bring Native American stories to broader audiences while preserving the rich language and cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): native americans (131), stories and storytelling (72)
In the Classroom
Have students retell the story of Coyote and the ducks using illustrations or puppets they create. Encourage them to focus on the sequence of events and the lessons learned. Challenge students to write their own Coyote story, following the traditional format using Book Creator, reviewed here or on paper. Assign students to research the Ojibwe people, focusing on their storytelling traditions, culture, and history. They can present findings as a poster or a multimedia presentation using Canva, reviewed here or Visme, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism - Chronicle
Grades
6 to 12
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The Chronicle video "The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism" explores the rich history and traditions of pre-Columbian Native American life, as narrated by Dr....more
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The Chronicle video "The Complete History of Indigenous People Before Colonialism" explores the rich history and traditions of pre-Columbian Native American life, as narrated by Dr. Evan Adams, an Indigenous Canadian actor, playwright, and physician. It provides a three-hour video divided into chapters, making it accessible for specific topics like creation stories, ancient tools, and cultural traditions. The video features "like" timestamps for easy navigation and a synchronized transcript for immersive learning. The message "In 1492, our world was changed forever. But we did not disappear" captures the resilience and ongoing significance of Native cultures, inviting students and educators alike to delve into this history. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): colonial america (97), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Provide blank maps of the Americas and have students label regions with the Indigenous groups discussed in the video. Include a key for languages, traditions, or significant achievements. Using a free tool like Class Tools reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, students can build timelines highlighting major events and cultural milestones for Native American societies before European contact. Students research how specific Indigenous groups preserved their traditions post-1492. They can present findings as posters or slideshows/videos using Google Slides, reviewed here or FlexClip, reviewed here, connecting past resilience to present-day Indigenous activism. Assign students to read and compare creation stories featured in the video with myths from other cultures they've studied. They can create Venn diagrams to identify similarities and differences.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game - National Indian Education Association
Grades
6 to 8
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"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines...more
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"Picaria: A Zuni Pueblo Math Game" introduces a traditional Native American strategy game from the Zuni Pueblo culture, designed for students in grades 6-8. This engaging activity combines cultural learning with critical thinking and mathematical skills. The document includes detailed instructions for playing Picaria, a game similar to tic-tac-toe, with background information on its cultural significance. Teachers can use this resource to enrich math or social studies lessons, encouraging strategic thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation for Indigenous traditions in an interactive and meaningful way.
tag(s): native americans (131), problem solving (268)
In the Classroom
After playing the game, discuss the cultural significance of Picaria and its origins in the Zuni Pueblo. Have students research other Indigenous games and share their findings with the class. They can use Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here to make digital presentations of their findings. In math class, analyze the strategies used in Picaria and connect them to mathematical concepts like probability, patterns, or logic. Have students write about or present the mathematical strategies they used to win. Challenge students to design their own versions of Picaria boards using geometry and measurement concepts. Host a class-wide Picaria tournament where students compete in pairs. Use a bracket system to track progress, encouraging strategic thinking and friendly competition.
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In Our Words - First Thanksgiving - Discovery Ed
Grades
8 to 12
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This Discovery Education video explores Indigenous perspectives on the first Thanksgiving, providing a more inclusive look at the holiday's history. By centering on Indigenous experiences,...more
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This Discovery Education video explores Indigenous perspectives on the first Thanksgiving, providing a more inclusive look at the holiday's history. By centering on Indigenous experiences, it highlights the cultural practices and contributions of Native American tribes, particularly the Wampanoag people, who were instrumental in helping the Pilgrims survive their first years. It also addresses the challenges, misunderstandings, and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples, offering a more balanced view of Thanksgiving than traditional narratives. This resource can encourage students to consider multiple perspectives and develop a deeper, more respectful understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories surrounding this holiday. Teachers can use the video to prompt discussions on historical empathy, perspective-taking, and the importance of acknowledging all voices in history.
tag(s): empathy (43), holidays (274), native americans (131), perspective (26), thanksgiving (25)
In the Classroom
Students can create visual art or a collage that contrasts traditional Thanksgiving imagery with representations of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. They can use a free resource such as PhotoCollage, reviewed here. Have students explain their artwork in a gallery walk format, fostering discussions about historical accuracy, respect, and representation. Provide students with primary sources like excerpts from Pilgrim diaries or early colonial documents. Ask them to analyze the sources to identify different perspectives and motivations, encouraging critical thinking about reliability, bias, and how history is documented. Students can write a reflective essay on how learning about Indigenous perspectives of the first Thanksgiving has altered their understanding of the holiday. Encourage them to research present-day perspectives from Indigenous voices and suggest how these insights might change their approach to Thanksgiving traditions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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DocsTeach American Indians Primary Resources - National Archives
Grades
6 to 12
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DocsTeach is a versatile educational website designed by the National Archives to provide teachers with primary source documents and interactive activities. The "American Indians" section...more
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DocsTeach is a versatile educational website designed by the National Archives to provide teachers with primary source documents and interactive activities. The "American Indians" section offers a wealth of resources for teaching about the history and culture of Native American peoples. Educators can access historical documents, photographs, maps, and videos that explore various aspects of Native American life, policies, and U.S. government relations. Teachers can use these primary sources to create custom lessons or use pre-made activities to engage students in critical thinking and historical analysis.
tag(s): cultures (289), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
After exploring primary documents about U.S. policies towards Native Americans, organize a classroom debate on key issues like land treaties, the Indian Removal Act, or the reservation system. Students can be assigned roles representing different perspectives, such as Native American leaders, U.S. government officials, or settlers, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the issues involved. Create stations with different primary sources, such as treaties, photographs, or government policies related to Native Americans. Students rotate between stations, analyzing each document and responding to prompts. Have students use primary sources to create an interactive timeline of significant events in Native American history, such as the Trail of Tears, the establishment of reservations, or key legal decisions using a resource such as Time.Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Living Nation, Living Words: A Guide for Educators - Library of Congress
Grades
7 to 12
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The Living Nations, Living Words Educator Guide from the Library of Congress offers a rich resource to explore contemporary Native American poetry and culture. This guide is designed...more
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The Living Nations, Living Words Educator Guide from the Library of Congress offers a rich resource to explore contemporary Native American poetry and culture. This guide is designed to accompany the Living Nations, Living Words poetry collection, featuring works by 47 Native American poets. The educator guide provides thoughtful lesson plans and activities that help students engage with themes of identity, resilience, and connection to land through poetry. The guide focuses on Indigenous perspectives and voices. It helps teachers create meaningful discussions in English/language arts, social studies, and cultural studies classrooms, fostering a deeper understanding of Native American contributions to literature and society.
tag(s): cultures (289), native americans (131), poetry (194)
In the Classroom
Have students create visual art pieces that represent the themes or imagery from selected poems. Assign students to research the cultural background and history of a specific Native American tribe represented in the poetry collection. Students select a poem from the Living Nations, Living Words collection and conduct a close reading. They analyze the poem's themes, imagery, and cultural significance. Following their analysis, students create their own poem inspired by the original work, incorporating similar themes or cultural references.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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White Cloud: A Hero to His People - National Gallery of Art
Grades
4 to 7
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The Heroes and Heroines lesson from the National Gallery of Art website explores the painting White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas by George Catlin, offering a rich resource for ...more
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The Heroes and Heroines lesson from the National Gallery of Art website explores the painting White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas by George Catlin, offering a rich resource for classroom instruction. Teachers can use this lesson to engage students in discussions about historical figures and Native American culture. The lesson includes guided questions, information about White Cloud's leadership, and an analysis of Catlin's artistic choices. In the classroom, this resource can spark conversations about leadership, cultural representation, and the role of art in documenting history. Activities like art projects or research assignments on historical figures can further enrich the learning experience.
tag(s): art history (103), cultures (289), native americans (131)
In the Classroom
Organize a short reenactment of White Cloud's journey to Europe. Students can role-play different figures, such as White Cloud, his companions, and George Catlin. Assign students to a Native American tribe affected by the Indian Removal Act and have them research the tribe's culture, geographical displacement, and challenges during the period. Students can create their own portraits of a modern-day hero using mixed media. Have students write a journal entry from White Cloud's perspective, detailing his journey to London and his feelings about representing his people.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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