Educators
UA Native Net reaches out to educators and their students with a variety of materials.
NativeNet courses make use of modern educational technology to deliver information and scholarship in an interactive, engaging format. The courses are taught by leading scholars and authorities in the field, including the faculty of the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program. The courses are designed to move at the student’s pace, with opportunity to test one’s knowledge throughout the course itself.
The courses also lend themselves to use by educators in their classrooms, whether as stand-alone topics or as chapters in broader discussions or presentations. The matters discussed and materials contained in the courses all provide a basis for intellectual engagement and discussion.
In addition to the courses, educators and students will be interested in UA NativeNet’s overviews. These provide educators and students basic, general information about a large variety of subjects of interest to them and which are at the front of scholarly research and debate in Indian law and international indigenous law.
Grades 8-12 Lesson Plans
These lessons provided are meant for English, history, or civics classes (grade levels 8-12), however, can be used in manner that best fits the teacher’s needs. In addition, We recommend using the lessons in conjunction with a preexisting units that promote cultural understanding of Indigenous people, focus on social justice issues, exploration of Native identity in a modern context, or any other thematic units of justice, racism, understanding, bullying, self-esteem, or many other emancipatory topics. Although the purpose behind the lessons are to provide knowledge on appropriation of Indian culture and the modern cultural context of the Native identity, we welcome your original ideas that would enhance or supplement the educational experience for your students. Details on how to use the lessons in your classroom can be found by clicking on the links below:
Mascot Lesson Unit
This unit is a modified version of lesson taught at the University of Arizona Law College in a class discussing cultural appropriation. However, the lessons here focus specifically the current use of Indian mascots in K-12 public schools. The materials provided can be used exactly in the order given or you may modify what is used to fit the needs of your class and/or time frame.
Download all of the unit resources in one zipped file.
1) Teacher resource: Common Core Standards
2) Teacher resource: Guide to CCS
3) Teacher resource: Fact Sheet
4) Pre/Post Survey-it is recommended to give the survey as an introduction to the unit and then again after the unit is completed. This is an important document in that it will produce thoughtful and honest dialogue in your classroom. Furthermore, the survey topics can be used daily as a “Fast Five” or anchoring activity to start the class period. You may also use them as journal topics or debate questions.
5) Vocabulary list and assignment
6) Vocabulary Answer sheet
7) Vocabulary Power Point
8) Vocabulary Flash Cards
9) Power Point-Survey of the Mascot Images and discussion questions
10) Culminating Assignments
11) Extra- “Taco Night” handout: can be used to foster deep conversations about cultural identities and how they are introduced to children in public schools.
Sherman Alexie Unit:
This literature unit was created with the idea that it could be modified or adjusted to fit the individual culture of a teacher’s classroom. For example, it can be taught in 5 days or 10 days. Please make the necessary accommodations needed by adding or supplementing to build upon the foundational lessons provided. However, it can be taught as is.
Download all of the unit resources in one zipped file.
1) Power Point Introduction
2) LA Times Interview
3) Vocabulary
4) Reading Outline of Chapters
5) Double Journal Example
6) Double Journal Template
7) Writing Assignment
8) Cartoon Image of Arnold
9) Book Cover Image
10) Alexie Picture
11) 2nd Cartoon of Arnold