Students will understand the concept of stereotypes and their impact on individuals and communities, using Ishi’s story as an example. They will practice avoiding stereotypes in writing by creating a respectful and accurate news article about Ishi’s arrival in Oroville. This lesson plan helps students critically analyze historical narratives, develop empathy, and practice respectful communication in their writing.
Students will analyze the cultural values of courage, generosity, respect, and dignity demonstrated by Ishi. They will reflect on their own values and compare them to Ishi’s, understanding how values shape actions and relationships.
Students will design and complete a project that reflects their learning about land, Indigenous presence, and community responsibility. Students will present their work to an audience, demonstrating respectful engagement, informed research, and a commitment to ongoing learning and allyship.
Students will critically evaluate the limitations of land acknowledgments when not paired with action or accountability. Students will explore tangible ways to support Indigenous communities and advocate for justice beyond symbolic statements.
Students will learn and apply respectful communication protocols when engaging with local California tribal communities. Students will incorporate Indigenous voices, perspectives, and feedback into their understanding and representation of local histories and cultures.
Students will examine the historical and cultural significance of land acknowledgments and analyze their use in educational and public settings. Students will identify the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands they occupy and begin to explore the importance of recognizing those connections.
Students learn about the ecological and cultural restoration of Cache Creek. They study how the Yurok Tribe combines Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern science to rehabilitate ecosystems. Students design their own restoration plans for a local waterway, integrating Indigenous knowledge and environmental problem-solving.
This lesson focuses on the cultural and ecological importance of salmon to the Yurok people. Students examine how environmental changes and human activities have affected salmon populations. Through multimedia and collaborative projects, students explore salmon life cycles, conservation strategies, and the Yurok Tribe’s role in restoration efforts.
Students explore the deep cultural and spiritual connections Native American communities have with their ancestral lands. Through video storytelling and class discussion, students analyze the impact of land loss and reflect on Native resilience and cultural preservation. Activities include journaling, group reflection, and creative writing from Indigenous perspectives.
This lesson invites students into a unique and meaningful exploration of Native California basketry through the lens of mathematics and cultural knowledge. Grounded in the traditions of the Karuk, Yurok, and Hupa peoples of Northwestern California, students will examine traditional basket designs and discover the geometry and symbolism woven into each pattern. Students begin by learning about the importance of baskets in Native communities—not only as tools used for cooking, gathering, and ceremony, but as expressions of identity, knowledge, and connection to the land. They will hear directly from a traditional basket weaver through video and explore visual examples of real baskets, noticing the patterns, stories, and craftsmanship each one holds. The lesson then shifts into hands-on mathematical discovery. Students work with patterns found in basketry to explore the concept of area, building shapes using grid paper or geoboards. By calculating how much space these shapes take up, they’re able to apply their math knowledge in a culturally relevant and visually engaging context. This activity encourages students to think like designers and problem-solvers—just like traditional weavers do. Working in pairs or small groups, students take on the role of young mathematicians and artists as they collaborate to analyze basket patterns and calculate area. Teachers are encouraged to support student dialogue through rich questions that prompt reasoning, exploration, and multiple strategies. To deepen their understanding, students reflect on the materials used in basket making and consider the knowledge systems behind the designs. They learn how traditional weaving is connected to land care, seasonal cycles, and community values—demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge systems incorporate science, mathematics, and sustainability. The lesson concludes with individual reflection, where students demonstrate their understanding of area and share their insights about the cultural significance of the designs they've studied. This is more than a math lesson—it's an opportunity to honor Native perspectives, make learning relevant and engaging, and show students how math exists in the world around them in powerful and beautiful ways. Whether you’re hoping to integrate cultural studies into your math block or looking to deepen students’ understanding of geometry through real-world applications, Basketry Designs and Area provides an interdisciplinary, respectful, and enriching learning experience that students will remember.
