K-12 Lessons Search

The Beautiful Buzzard: Yurok Storytelling and Shadow Puppet Performance

This engaging and culturally rich unit invites young learners to explore the power of storytelling through the lens of the Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in California and a Native community with a deep presence in Northwestern California. Ernie Albers, Yurok Storyteller shares his story “The Beautiful Buzzard” to engage students with the traditional artform of storytelling, how stories carry important messages, teach life lessons, and keep cultures alive across generations.

The California Gold Rush: A Deeper Look at Its Costs Unit

This unit examines the California Gold Rush and its lasting significance in U.S. history, with a focus on its environmental and cultural impact on California Native American communities. Students will analyze the consequences of westward expansion, including the exploitation of natural resources and the widespread displacement of California Native peoples. Through critical inquiry, the unit encourages students to understand the broader consequences of the Gold Rush and reflect on its role in shaping California’s past and present.

The California Gold Rush: A Deeper Look at Its Costs Unit

Dan Durke’s Gardena High School ID card from 1984-1985. Dan hadn’t changed his name yet and is identified by his original name: Maysak Doeuk. Dan graduated in 1987.

The Cambodian Refugee Experience

Students will explore the waves of Cambodian immigrants to the United States, understand the causes behind each wave, consider the challenges faced by the 1.5 generation, and examine how intergenerational trauma can affect young Cambodian Americans while relating these experiences to their own lives.

The Deliberation of Juries and Art: Perspectives and Light

23 Mar 1975, Phu Bon, South Vietnam --- Phu Bon, South Vietnam: Refugees from the Central Highlands run for rescue helicopters to evacuate them to safety. The Communist gunners shot up the convoy of tears heading towards costal havens to the east, splitting it into segments. --- Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

The Fall of Sài Gòn

Students will identify and describe the varied experiences and memories leading up to the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, by analyzing oral history interviews and creating a medium of choice.

Protest at National Assembly Opera house

The First Republic: Hopes and Visions for a New Nation

Students will be able to describe the cultural attitudes and visions of the Vietnamese American refugee community that stem from the early stages of the Republic of Vietnam by analyzing literary and musical text and producing a medium of choice.

A coin issued for circulation in the French Protectorate of Cambodia under the reign of King Norodom I of Cambodia under the administration of the French colonial authorities.

The French Colonial Period (1893-1954)

Students will be able to explain the impact of French Colonialism on Cambodia through synthesizing information and analyzing motivations of both the French and the Cambodian governments.

Air America Dornier DO-28, refuelling Laos 1963 available in Internet Archive

The Hmong and the Secret War in Laos

After students learn about what the Cold War is and how it was carried out in Southeast Asia through the Vietnam War, students will analyze the Secret War that took place in Laos, the role that Hmong played, and the impact it had on Hmong people.

California Native American Studies 101 Unit

The Impacts of California Missions on Native Americans

The Impacts of the California Gold Rush on Native Americans

The Khmer Empire (AD 802-1431)

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Khmer Empire's historical rise in the ninth century to its decline in the fifteenth century. Through facilitated discussions and hands-on activities about the city of Angkor, they will develop analytical skills.

This magnificent temple is surrounded by a moat. It contains four well preserved shrines with elaborate carvings and designs. These intricate carvings are a wonder to behold and are especially stunning in the pink hue. The best time to visit this monastery is during the dry season between October and December. Since it is located at an altitude of over ten thousand feet, getting to the monastery requires a hike. The hike is 10 kilometers long and takes between five and six hours to complete. The trail consi

The Khmer Empire: City of Angkor Temples (AD 802-1431)

Through studying the City of Angkor, students will gain an understanding of the rich culture and achievements of the Khmer Empire. They will gain knowledge of the religious practices and the architecture of temples including Angkor Wat.

"This sculpture is in the central courtyard at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is part of a memorial entitled ""For Those Who Are No Longer Here"" by French-Cambodian artist Séra Ing The sculpture is one of the reparations projects outlined in the 2014 judgment handed down by the Khmer Rouge tribunal in Case 002/01 against former Brother Number Two Nuon Chea and former head of state Khieu Samphan. The work, a mottled bronze figure frozen mid-air as it tumbles backwards with its hands pressed into a sampeah, ev

The Lasting Impact of the Genocide

Students will gain an understanding of the impact of the Cambodian Genocide on its survivors and will examine possible approaches toward justice and peace.

The Life of an Acorn Game

Students use an interactive ecosystem simulation to explore the life cycle and ecological importance of the Tanoak tree. Through gameplay, data analysis, and scientific argumentation, students investigate how biotic and abiotic factors affect Tanoak, acorn availability, and the interconnected plants and animals of Northern California forests.

Illustrations by Harmony Jones (Hupa and Yurok) 2024

The Life of an Acorn Game (Part 2)

The Modoc War and People Today

Native American Studies
HSS 8.8, HSS 8.12, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, RI.8.4, RI.8.6, RI.8.9
Grade 8

This unit focuses on the Modoc War, a conflict between a small number of Modoc people and the US military in 1860’s and 1870s. The first lesson gives the background information needed to understand the lead-up to the conflict. The second and third lessons focus on different aspects of the conflict, including events and topography. The fourth lesson, the aftermath. A possible extension activity would be a field trip to the Lava Beds National Monument to see the battle sites and gain a deeper understanding of the natural fortifications the Modoc people used to hold off the military.

Chinese watercolor paintings of Miao people (Hmong) circa 1736 from Chinese Rare Book Collection.

The Origin of the Hmong in China

Students will learn the roots of the Hmong people in China and how displacement through persecution and war has led to the Hmong migrating south to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Through a platform of their choice, students will summarize and express the origin and identity of Hmong people and how it has been impacted by a history of being colonized, persecuted, and stateless.

The Refugee Act of 1980 and Cambodian Resettlement in the United States

Students will consider how changes to the United States policy and the impact of the Refugee Act of 1980 impacted Cambodian Refugees including resettlement in the United States.

Resilient Redwoods CA Academy Sciences Ohlone Unit

The Resilience of Redwood Trees

Students investigate the unique adaptations that help redwood trees survive environmental challenges such as fire and drought. Each group researches a specific redwood characteristic (e.g., bark, sprouting roots) and connects it to the tree’s overall resilience. Students develop conservation plans and visual presentations to advocate for the protection of redwood forests.