Traveling Resource Trunks
Grades 1 - 3
Ideas for using this trunk with different ages and youth groups.
Examine a buffalo bladder, parfleche, scapula bone, sinew and more as you learn about the food, shelter, and lifestyles of Native Americans of Kansas.
Trunk Specifications
Weight: 47 lbs.
Dimensions: 31" x 22" x 16"
Insure for $500 when shipping
Introduction
This trunk is designed to be a comprehensive unit used in grades 1 through 3. The information deals with Indians in Kansas, primarily Plains Indians but some information is provided on emigrant tribes. The trunk includes many visual aids such as historic photographs and reproductions. Youngsters an examine these and draw conclusions on their own or with the help of the teacher.
Teachers Manual
Thematic units covering such subjects as food, shelter, clothing and crafts, and spiritualism are included. Particular focus is given to the American buffalo and its importance in Native American culture. Historical backgrounds, vocabulary lists, reading lists, and bibliographies are provided for each section. The activities and discussions are only suggestions, written with first to third graders in mind.
Introductory Lesson
An Overview of Native Americans in Kansas
Six tribes are explored using tribal comparison
cards that place the tribe at a point in history and discuss shelter,
food, and location. (This is a reading based activity.)
Housing
The Tipi
Use photos, a sample of tanned hide, and sequencing cards to learn
about the tipi. Then make a tipi model out of paper.
The Earthlodge and Grass Lodge
Examine the earthlodge and grasslodge with historic photographs and
then make a diorama of Native American homes.
Transport: Homes and Belongings
Discuss the nomadic lifestyle of many Native Americans using historic
photographs and a parfleche, then make your own parfleche out of paper.
Clothing and Crafts
Preparing Buffalo Hides
Explore the many uses of the buffalo with a matching activity, parfleche,
moccasin, fur pouch, scraper, drum, shield, tanned hide and rawhide.
Then use a sequencing activity to learn how rawhide and tanned hide
are prepared.
Clothing
Clothing for everyday is different than clothing for special occasions.
Use historic photos and magnetic dolls to explore types of clothing
worn by some Native Americans.
Decorating a Buffalo Robe
Designs important to Native Americans of the plains are explored with
hide samples and a paint kit. Students use a worksheet to create their
own designs.
Quillwork
Read a book, examine porcupine quills and a medicine wheel made with
quills, and then color your own starburst design.
Beadwork
Examine a beaded rosette and then design and make your own beaded
design using colored macaroni.
Food
The Many Uses of Corn
Learn that corn was first grown by Native Americans as you look at
historic photographs, examine a bison scapula, and read a book.
Hunting
Read about two different methods that Native Americans used to hunt
bison then reenact driving the bison on foot. Write a story and draw
a picture about your experience.
Plants as Food
Use a photo to discuss harvesting wild plants, use celery to see how
plants use water, and plant seeds to grow your own food.
Food Preservation and Storage
Using historic photographs, a parfleche and a pumpkin mat, explore
how drying food can help preserve it and make it easier to store and
transport. Compare the weight difference between fresh food and dried
food.
Spiritualism
Religion: Circles of Power
Learn about the importance of the circle to Native Americans. Explore
its relationship to the seasons and their lives using a medicine wheel,
drum and historic photographs.
Ceremonies: The Green Corn Dance
Use books and historic photographs to explore the importance of ceremonies
to Native Americans and compare the Green Corn Ceremony to contemporary
ceremonies in your community.
Symbolism: Making Sense out of Design
Discuss the importance of design and ornamentation to Native Americans
for their bodies, homes, and possessions using objects and photographs.
Make your own designs.
Games
Learn a Native American game. Then make a game of your own.
Powwows
Use a video and photographs to learn about the contemporary powwow.
Buffalo
Buffalo: The Plains Indians' Most Useful Resource
Identify the American buffalo as an important resource for Native
Americans on the plains using historic photographs, a book and a variety
of objects.
Notes about using Traveling Resource Trunks:
Traveling resource trunks are loaned out within the state of Kansas. They are available for four weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge except for shipping. Borrowers who do not pick up their trunks are responsible for round trip shipping costs. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance.
Please inventory trunks when you receive them and before you return them. An inventory sheet is provided in all trunks for your use. Return trunks in the same condition that you received them.
Objects and materials in the trunks are to be used as the instructor sees fit; however, please keep in mind that many students will be using the trunk after you this year and in the years to come. Use is encouraged; overuse, damage, and mutilation are not.
The materials included in this trunk may be reproduced for educational purposes only and must credit the Kansas Historical Society. Reproductions of these materials for any other purpose is prohibited without written permission from the Kansas Historical Society.
To assure that trunks you use will reach their next destination in time we ask that trunks be returned by their scheduled return date. Allow at least two days shipping time. If you have any questions or concerns contact the Education and Outreach Division of the Kansas Historical Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 251, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.
Looking for other programs or activities?
The Kansas Historical Society has a variety of programs available for your use including other traveling resource trunks; traveling exhibits; guided tours of state historic sites, the state Capitol, and the Kansas Museum of History; and online resources. For more information on these contact the Education and Outreach Division at 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 414, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.
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