American Indian "Hands On" History Curriculum for Minnesota's Students

Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, the Minnesota Historical Society developed new curriculum with a particular emphasis on American Indian history in Minnesota. One activity from this curriculum allows students to create an Ojibwe shoulder bag. In another activity, students create a winter count, a tool used by the Dakota to record key historical events. The Society offers complete kits for these learning projects that include all the resources a teacher needs to do the classroom activity. The kits also contain additional learning resources like a comprehensive teacher's guide, laminated classroom placards, instructional DVDs and a resource CD. Through projects like these, Minnesota students are being introduced to Ojibwe and Dakota culture, history and arts, as required by the Minnesota learning standards.