This inquiry considers early European and American exploration of the northern Great Plains and the impacts it had. This topic is introduced through the investigation of the compelling question “did the age of exploration bring more harm than good?” The importance of understanding this context is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the intense pressure and tension between Native Americans and the United States to maintain control over the Great Plains and (2) students will benefit from understanding how exploration led to both positive and negative impacts for Native Americans, Europeans, and Americans.
The terms “Native Americans” and “Native peoples” are used in this inquiry. The terms “American Indians” and “Indians” are used in much of the scholarly literature. In this inquiry, precise tribal names will be used when they are known.
This inquiry is expected to take three 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.
- Native American Map Set
- Early Exploration Map Set
- LaVerendrye Visits the Mandan Document Set
- People of the Upper Missouri Document Set
- Early Exploration Map Set
- Wintering on the Northern Plains: Lewis and Clark
Understand: Identify tribes who consider the land where your community is as part of their traditional homelands.
Assess: Determine what has happened to those people—who are they and where do they live now? Are their ways in which your community can support them today?
Act: Using the poster and additional research you conducted, create a short documentary film. Present the documentary to your community during a history fair.