Native American Culture

Issue Project Lesson Plan

This lesson plan was developed using the format established by

York County Area Vocational-Technical School

York, Pennsylvania

Lesson Title: Current Issue Research Project

Library Media Skills Objectives:

Students will:

• Use the internet to research Native American issues and examine historical, legal, biographical, and current material.

Students will:

• Gather information about the Native American Movement and other historical and/or cultural issues
• Find biographical information about important Native Americans in History
• Keep up to date with current Native American issues
• Practice using the internet to search for and retrieve information.
• use the writing process to develop a position paper

Resources:

• Cornell Law School
• Native American Web
• Native American Resources on the Internet
• Native Web
• People's Path
• Hotsheet
• Thomas Web
• CapWeb: A guide to the US Congress

Required Materials:

• Disks
• Color Computer Projector

Instructional Roles:

Midway through the study of Native Americans, have students go online to access an electronic version of the US Constitution. Review critical amendments and sections pertaining to Native American rights. Students should then look for two kinds of information: historical informatin about notable Native Americans and legislation pertaining to Native American issues.

The Media Specialist will discuss the areas of the WWW and Search Engines available to students that are to be used in the research.

Activity and Procedure for Completion:

• Students should identify three current issues pertaining to Native American. Students are then released into the Computer Lab to research their topics. The social studies Teacher and Media Specialist will guide and suggest. They will not direct students to choices. Students will use the resources available in the Media Center.

• Students will choose one issue and see if it is being addressed through current legislation.

• Students will then write a position paper regarding the issue including comments regarding current legislation.

Evaluation:

The position papaer will be evaluated on the knowledge of the issue presented. Student will make an oral presentation to the class concerning the issue researched.

Follow-Up:

Students will send E-mail to members of Congress concerning the issue.