Favorite Lessons/Resources, Part 1

Last spring (before the listserv went on hiatus) I sent out a survey that included this question:

“Describe (in brief) the best Montana history or IEFA lesson, project, or resource your taught this year--the one you will make time for next year no matter what.”

Thanks to all who responded! Listservers shared a lot of good ideas, which I will divide up into a couple of posts. So, without further ado, some of your fellow teachers’ favorite lessons/resources (part 1):

Montana History--Reading Hattie Big Sky and using the Montana Mosaic videos regarding Homesteading; Indian Education for All--new Montana History textbook; video clips from "Dreamkeeper" depicting tribal stories from different Plains Indian tribes; resources from Project Archaeology.–Marla Bray, Sleeping Giant Middle School, Livingston, Montana, Grade 7 Montana History

Unit on Playing for the World - published by OPI (http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/IndianEd/curricsearch.html)

                         

I think my junior high students enjoyed putting on a trial for Henry Plummer. They definitely enjoyed playing different people that might have been part of a trial had there been one.  It was also fun to see them get involved in researching the different people and the time period.   

My World Cultures class used the curriculum from Project Archaeology to examine Crow tipis including a field trip to tipi rings along the Madison River and the Buffalo Jump.  I used that unit to transition into their own homes and what they can tell about their family's culture based on their homes and lives. (Several other teachers gave Project Archaeology rave reviews as well. You can order their curriculum for $45 from Crystal Alegria at 406.994.6925 or calegria@montana.edu, or get it as part of your registration fee if you attend one of their workshops. Next workshop is Sept. 17 at Pictograph Cave State Park.)

Google Earth. My kids were fascinated. We used it to compare reservations, towns, and counties.—Susan Schemmel, Dodson MT

I had my 7th graders conduct a local history project - researching local buildings and their histories. They had a fun time doing it and were able to make use of our local Daniels County Museum, a first for all of them regarding the archives. We used the Architecture Trunk from MHS as a lead-in to our research.-- Bryan Pechtl, Scobey Schools, Social Studies, Grades 7,8,10,11,12

There’s still time to share. What’s the one lesson you are going to make sure to do this year?