Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Building a Sod House"

Project Archaeology

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:28:36 GMT

Project Archaeology, a program of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, uses archaeological inquiry to foster understanding of past and present cultures; improve social studies and science education; and enhance citizenship education to help preserve our archaeological legacy. This site offers access to the program's teaching guide to the archaeological method and resources on examining shelter, with an emphasis on indigenous and colonial American structures.

Treasures of American History: National Challenges

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:56:27 GMT

In this section of the online exhibition Treasures of American History, students will learn that by understanding the challenges of the past, they can draw lessons and inspiration for confronting new challenges in the present and future. The topics discussed in this section are: the American Revolution; slavery; westward expansion; the Civil War, women's suffrage, the Great Depression and World War II, the Civil Rights movement and AIDS. A Spanish version of the exhibition is available on the exhibition's homepage.

Exploration Map

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:07:00 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will learn about the exploration of the West through the use an interactive map, biographical sketches and brief descriptions of the expeditions undertaken by graduates of West Point. The U.S. Army played a key role in exploring the nation's vast new lands acquired through purchase and conquest during the first half of the nineteenth century. Military-scientific expeditions crisscrossed the West, mapping the country, gathering scientific data, identifying potential resources for exploitation, and surveying routes for roads and railroads. The Exploration Map is part of the online exhibition, West Point in the Making of America.

Reading Dakota Dugout

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:53:31 GMT

In this activity, students will read Dakota Dugout by Ann Turner and answer questions about the book. They will then look at the image of an object that would have been important to women living in a house made of sod and try to determine what the object is. This resource is included in an OurStory module entitled Life in a Sod House.

OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

Tracking the Buffalo: Stories From a Buffalo Hide Painting Homepage

Thu, 30 May 2013 20:53:48 GMT

In this interactive website, students explore the role buffaloes played in the lives of Native Americans of the northern Plains. The website includes: online interactives, printable activities and a map of the Plain Indians, information about the art of buffalo hide paintings, a teacher's guide and student worksheets, and a bibliography of related books and online resources appropriate for all ages.

Life in a Sod House Homepage

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:20:07 GMT

Students will learn about life on the prairie and in sod houses in this OurStory module, entitled Life in a Sod House. The module includes the interactive activity Building a Sod House, hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings related. OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.