HSS 5.1.2

Traditional Plank House Village: Resources, Engineering & Social Roles

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 5.1.1, HSS 5.1.2, HSS 5.1.3, 4.VA:CR2.1, 5.VA:CR2.1

This unit teaches about the traditional living houses of the Indigenous people of Northern California, primarily the Karuk Yurok, Hoopa, Wiyot and Chilula Tribes. This is a basic overview and summary of the construction and societal makeup revolving around these traditional plank houses. Students will learn about the materials, process and some cultural aspects of plank houses. The lesson expands and applies that knowledge to traditional plank house villages. Activities include classroom discussions and a building project.

Ella Williams Designing her 3D Diorama of a Traditional Miwok Home.

Native Homes: Sustainability and the Environment (3D Diorama)

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.5.5, HSS 5.1.1, HSS 5.1.2, HSS 5.1.3, SL.4.1, SL.4.2, SL.5.1, SL.5.2, 4.VA:CR2.1, 5.VA:CR2.1

This ELA, Social Science and Environmental History lesson introduces students to architectural practices and knowledge of structure and design through dioramas. Native Youth will guide you by modeling the project. Your students will learn about Hoopa and Miwok structures and culture and then will research and complete their own project. This unit may take a few weeks, but it is worth it. It is a lot of fun and will provide a deep understanding of Native culture for your students if done correctly. The teacher must: Understand we are on Native land Actively engage critical thinking skills, note taking skills, and discussion skills. Understand that quality research takes time and tribal voices may be difficult to find, but are important to include in your learning. Look for individual growth and expectations based on student needs

Jump Middle Stick by Brian Tripp, Photo of Print

Imagining the Native American Native California Artists Brian Tripp (Karuk)

HSS 5.1.2, HSS 5.3.5, 5.VA:RE7.1, 6.VA:RE7.1, 8.VA:RE7.1, Responding—Anchor Standard 8, Connecting—Anchor Standard 11

This lesson introduces students to the life and artwork of Brian D. Tripp (Karuk), a groundbreaking Native California artist, poet, singer, and ceremonial practitioner. Tripp was a powerful early voice in the modern Native California art movement. His work blends traditional imagery and symbolism from Karuk, Yurok, and Hupa cultures with bold, modernist expression, giving visual form to cultural identity, ancestral memory, and contemporary Native experiences. Through teacher-guided slides, class discussion, and observation, students will explore how Tripp used line, color, shape, and meaningful materials—like driftwood and ceremonial symbols—to communicate stories and perspectives from the Klamath River region in Northwestern California. His art celebrates the beauty and richness of Native traditions while also confronting viewers with truths about cultural erasure, social justice, and the need to see Native California beyond stereotypes. Tripp’s artwork offers a unique opportunity to engage with themes of sacred land, cultural pride, resilience, and belonging, encouraging students to think about how art can reflect both personal journeys and collective histories. By the end of the lesson, students will gain a deeper appreciation for how Native California artists, like Brian D. Tripp, uses visual storytelling to honor their heritage and challenge what is often overlooked in colonial perspectives and narratives. They'll also reflect on their own sense of place, identity, and voice.

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