Grade 5
Imagining the Native American Native California Artists Judith Lowry
In this lesson, students will learn about Judith Lowry, a Native American artist whose work powerfully reflects her cultural heritage and important moments in Native history. We will begin by reading a short biography to understand her life story, including how her mixed background and experiences have influenced her art. Then, students will explore several of Lowry’s vibrant paintings, using them as a window into Native perspectives and stories that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through guided discussion and observation, students will discover how Lowry uses her art to challenge stereotypes, celebrate Native identity, and bring attention to the challenges Native communities face today. This lesson aims to help students appreciate art as a form of storytelling and social activism, while inspiring them with the creative strength and resilience of Judith Lowry and other Native artists.
Imagining the Native American Native California Artists Harry Fonseca (Nisenan Maidu)
In this lesson, students will explore the life and artwork of Harry Fonseca, a celebrated Native California artist of Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian, and Portuguese ancestry and a citizen of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Fonseca used his art to express identity, honor Native traditions, and respond to historical events like the California Gold Rush. Through vibrant paintings, symbolic imagery, and recurring figures like the trickster Coyote, Fonseca’s work invites students to think deeply about storytelling, cultural resilience, and how art can be both personal and political. The lesson is designed to be interactive and accessible, using visuals, student handouts, and guided questions to support engagement. Students will learn about cultural elements like regalia, roundhouses, and petroglyphs, and reflect on how creation stories and historical memory influence artistic expression. They’ll also consider how Fonseca’s paintings preserve Native perspectives and challenge mainstream narratives of California history. By connecting art to identity and resistance, this lesson encourages students to reflect on their own stories and the power of creativity in shaping how history is remembered.
Traditional Plank House Village: Resources, Engineering & Social Roles
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.
Native Homes: Sustainability and the Environment (3D Diorama)
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