Students will analyze the Native American's point of view
of the Homestead Act.
Have students identify a Native American group (from the
latter part of the 19th century) who lived in the area of
Nebraska where they currently reside. Have them write a letter
to the editor of the local newspaper discussing a Native American's
point of view of the Homestead Act.
Have students access the Nebraska Studies Website. Read
and discuss the effects of the Homestead Act on Native Americans
and settlers.
Tell students to give special consideration to the information
contained in the section titled, "Native Americans and Settlers."
Have students compare and contrast the effects of the
Homestead Act on the lives of the Native Americans and the
settlers. Have students chart this information on the chalkboard.
Direct students to write an editorial from the perspective
of a Native American concerning his/her view of the Homestead
Act. Tell them to support their position with factual information.
Learning Advice:
Review the format for an editorial and then model how
to write one.
Review the chart listing the similarities and differences
between the homesteaders and the Native Americans with the
students. The chart will provide students with a visual
image they can refer to when writing their editorials.
Conclusion:
Student will become aware and be able to explain
the ramifications of the Homestead Act for the Native Americans
and the settlers.
Evaluation Activity:
Sample rubric: teachers may wish to develop their own rubric
to meet their individual needs.
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs Improv.
Map Exercise
Oral Discussion
Editorial
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Our Perspective of the Homestead Act
