Hupa and Chumash Astronomy and Hand Games
HSS 6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3, MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3This lesson introduces students to the history and traditional astronomical knowledge of both Hupa and Chumash Peoples of California. Students will learn how Oral Histories have been passed down and preserved for hundreds of years and will learn to appreciate how cultural and/or family knowledge is passed down in their families.Students will learn about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and historic connections to the universe. The lesson covers 2 key terms, Astronomy and Oral Histories. There are two Oral histories that students will read aloud, and a traditional game they will learn how to make and play. The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand the connections between Oral Histories, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Contemporary Science/Astronomy and Indian Peoples today. This Curriculum is best done in the Winter Season so students can view stars and the moon.
