This inquiry explores various perspectives of the impacts of the fur trade in North Dakota through the investigation of the compelling question “Was the fur trade good or bad?” The importance of understanding the fur trade in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand changes that impacted Native American tribes of the region and (2) students will understand how the fur trade accelerated and impacted the exploration of the region by Europeans and Americans. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring to both natural and cultural worlds.
This inquiry is expected to take two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.
- Commerce and Conflict: A History of Pembina, 1797-1895
- Fort Clark State Historic Site
Understand: Find an example of a modern development in natural resource management that has resulted in a variety of consequences for humans.
Assess: Determine the intended and unintended consequences of the innovation identified.
Act: Take the poster you created to present to your class and use it to create a website to present to your community during a history fair.