Title: Exploring Oklahoma’s Rich History

Lesson Overview: This lesson aims to provide students with an overview of Oklahoma’s history, from its Native American roots to its role in the American West. Students will learn about significant events, influential individuals, and the state’s cultural heritage. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of Oklahoma’s historical significance.

Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the Native American tribes that inhabited Oklahoma before European settlement. 2. Identify key events and individuals that shaped Oklahoma’s history. 3. Analyze the impact of the Land Run of 1889 on the state’s development. 4. Explore the cultural heritage of Oklahoma, including its music, art, and literature. 5. Reflect on the importance of preserving and celebrating Oklahoma’s history.

Duration: 2-3 class periods

Materials: - Maps of Oklahoma - Images of Native American tribes - Historical photographs - Textbooks or online resources - Art supplies (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (15 minutes) a. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about Oklahoma’s history. Write their responses on the board. b. Show a map of Oklahoma and discuss its geographical location and neighboring states. c. Explain that Oklahoma has a diverse history, influenced by Native American tribes, European settlers, and the American West.

2. Native American Roots (30 minutes) a. Introduce the Native American tribes that inhabited Oklahoma, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Osage. b. Show images of these tribes and discuss their cultural practices, traditions, and contributions. c. Engage students in a class discussion about the impact of European colonization on Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

3. Key Events and Individuals (45 minutes) a. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a significant event or individual from Oklahoma’s history (e.g., Land Run of 1889, Will Rogers, Dust Bowl). b. Provide textbooks or online resources for research and ask each group to create a presentation summarizing their assigned topic. c. Allow time for each group to present their findings to the class, encouraging questions and discussions.

4. The Land Run of 1889 (30 minutes) a. Discuss the Land Run of 1889 and its impact on Oklahoma’s development. b. Show historical photographs of the land rush and ask students to analyze the motivations and challenges faced by settlers. c. Have students create a visual representation (drawing, painting, or collage) depicting the Land Run and its significance.

5. Cultural Heritage (45 minutes) a. Introduce students to Oklahoma’s cultural heritage, including its music (e.g., Woody Guthrie, Western swing), art (e.g., Native American pottery, Western art), and literature (e.g., Ralph Ellison, S.E. Hinton). b. Show examples of artwork and play music representative of Oklahoma’s cultural heritage. c. Engage students in a discussion about the importance of preserving and celebrating Oklahoma’s cultural traditions.

6. Conclusion and Reflection (15 minutes) a. Summarize the key points discussed throughout the lesson. b. Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and share one aspect of Oklahoma’s history that stood out to them. c. Encourage students to explore further resources or visit local museums to deepen their understanding of Oklahoma’s history.

Assessment: - Group presentations on key events and individuals (rubric provided). - Visual representation of the Land Run of 1889. - Class participation in discussions and reflections.