Activities for teachers

CLICK HERE for a printable version of this page.

What Story Does It Tell?

You Be the Historian

AUDIENCE

ages 10 and above

GOALS

students become familiar with the types of primary sources that historians interpret and use these sources to learn about the past.

students learn about the role played by the buffalo in the lives of American Indians on the northern plains.

OVERVIEW

gives students a chance to actively participate in the process of interpreting historical evidence

highlights four sections of the hide painting and focuses on 1) the role of the buffalo in Indian life; 2) the place of the buffalo in Indian culture; 3) the impact of American settlers on the buffalo population; and 4) the impact of American settlement on Indian life

prompts students' investigations with questions (CLICK HERE for a printable worksheet with questions for each section.) Note that for each section a first level of questions asks students to interpret what they see in the hide painting. A second level of questions asks them to think more abstractly

offers summary answers for both levels of each section; students may click on "Compare Notes with a Smithsonian Historian" to check their conclusions

What Can You Make from a Buffalo?

AUDIENCE

ages 5 and above

GOALS

students learn that out of respect for the buffalo, Indians used nearly every part of the buffalo, not just its meat.

students become familiar with the various objects made from parts of the buffalo

OVERVIEW

matching activity

students should click on the buffalo FIRST (for example, the horn); then select the object they think is made from that part of the buffalo.

Classroom Activities

1. Create a buffalo hide painting.

Print and copy "Make your own hide painting" for individual students. Or, cut a large, hide-shaped piece of brown paper for the entire class. Students may wish to follow one of the styles in "More about buffalo hide painting"

2. Research creation stories.

Print and copy Origin stories of Plains Indians. Students compare and contrast these creation stories. Students research the creation stories of other American Indians. Students relate one of the stories using pictures.

3. Use buffalo hunt scenes from Dances with Wolves as a secondary source.

This 1990 Hollywood film depicts a buffalo hunt by Sioux Indians of the northern plains, including pre-hunt rituals and post-hunt practices. Compare the film with the information about hunting, using, and honoring the buffalo gathered in "You Be the Historian." How are they the same or different? How are non-Indian buffalo hunters depicted?