Subject: History

An approach to teaching the Inca Empire: Quipus and other cultural manifestations

Using engaging teaching strategies such as Jigsaw, Gallery Walk and KWL (Know-Want-Learned), this unit explores some specific topics about the Incas: Machu Picchu, the location where they lived; what their religion was and their gods; quipus, a particular system to gather data; and generally, about their daily life……Continue Reading An approach to teaching the Inca Empire: Quipus and other cultural manifestations

Melting Pot: Migration to the United States

The United States has the largest population of international immigrants in the world. The US has more immigrants than the next four countries combined: Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Over 40 million immigrants live in the US, about 13.7% of the total US population. In this unit, students will explore the questions: 1) Why do people immigrate to America? 2) What choices do immigrates have to make when they decide to leave their homes? 3) How will climate change impact the next wave of immigrants?……Continue Reading Melting Pot: Migration to the United States

Exploring Hispanic Cultures through Time: Mayan Glyphs, the Mexican Revolution, and Indigenous Agrarian Wisdom

The primary purpose of this unit is to delve into the vast array of Latino cultural influences throughout history, with a focus on three significant periods: Mayan civilization, the Mexican Revolution, and present-day agricultural practices influenced by indigenous populations in America. These touchpoints within the curriculum serve to illuminate broader questions about the impact of Central and South American culture and history on students and families in North America……Continue Reading Exploring Hispanic Cultures through Time: Mayan Glyphs, the Mexican Revolution, and Indigenous Agrarian Wisdom

Independent Projects and Book Studies as a Portal Into the Indigenous and Latino Past, Present, and Future

This curricular unit is designed for use at Street School, an alternative school in Oklahoma. The unit uses independent projects and book studies to help students learn about Indigenous and Latino history and culture in the United States and in the world beyond. It also allows students to explore and appreciate the present and future of Indigenous and Latino people. The independent projects are an opportunity for students to learn and refine research skills on projects, the subjects of which are chosen by themselves……Continue Reading Independent Projects and Book Studies as a Portal Into the Indigenous and Latino Past, Present, and Future

Impact of Horses on the Plains Native Americans

This unitwill explain how horses entered the Plains Native American culture many years ago.  Native peoples traditionally regarded animals in their lives as fellow creatures with which they shared a common destiny. Horses and the Native Americans together played a significant part in American history. For many Plains groups, horses changed nearly every aspect of their life. Specifically, this unit will focus on the impact horses had on the Plains Native American power, warfare, bison hunting and their involvement in Westward Expansion. An extension activity in the curricular area of science will be incorporated……Continue Reading Impact of Horses on the Plains Native Americans

Timelines in Art and History: The Rise and Fall of Central and South American Empires

In this unit I will introduce my high school art students to the Spanish Conquistadors and their conquest of the east coast of modern-day Mexico and Central America through science, art, writing, and history.  There is a vast amount of land and many different civilizations in this history, so I will focus on some basic pieces along the timeline between 1428 when the Aztec Empire was formed and 1572 when the last Inca Empire was defeated by the Spanish, thus “ending all resistance to the Spanish colonization in South America”……Continue Reading Timelines in Art and History: The Rise and Fall of Central and South American Empires

The Iroquois Confederacy and its Influence on American Democracy

This curriculum unit examines the history and governance of the Iroquois (or Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, focusing on their material culture and resilient political system. The unit also highlights the Confederacy’s influence on early American democratic ideals and governance structures. Through engaging activities, role-play simulations, and discussions, students will delve into Haudenosaunee culture and political philosophy while examining principles of natural rights and the social contract as expressed by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke……Continue Reading The Iroquois Confederacy and its Influence on American Democracy