This #SAAMTEACH collection is for teachers, but can be easily modified for students to use virtually, in person, or in a blended format.  Meant to take one or two 50-minute class periods, activities can be added or subtracted as needed for your classroom and time constraints.  Designed initially for an 8th grade US History classroom during the era of Westward Expansion, activities can be modified for higher or lower levels or other courses. 

It is important to note to students that not all Native American cultures are the same and this is a generalized look at midwestern and southeastern tribes in the 19th century.

Suggested Lesson Plan Idea:

(Prior Classes: 30 Second Look, Oregon Trail Game)

Bellringer- Examine Smithsonian Learning Lab collection- Westward Expansion and Native Americans, and do a “See, Think, Wonder” (students can jot down notes on paper for consequent class discussion)

Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) for George Catlin’s, Wi-jún-jon, Pigeon’s Egg Head (The Light) Going To and Returning From Washington, 1837-1839

Trail of Tears Video -22 minutes

https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm%3Fid%3D62209DA5-155D-451F-67E1EDAFA70AD52F

*Optional: Trail of Tears Writing + In-Class Discussion

*Optional: Extend, Challenge: Trail of Tears Background Reading (2 different reading activity options for same reading)

*Optional: Indian Removal Act Map image with questions

Closing: Connect, Extend, Challenge with Cherokee Reading