Geography In The United States Lesson Plan for 8th Grade Students

Topic: The Impact of European Settlements on Native Americans

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain the impact European settlements had on the Native Americans, including the spread of disease, displacement from their traditional lands, and forced assimilation.

Materials

• Maps of North America showing historical settlement areas
• Handouts with information about European settlement and Native American culture and life
• Art supplies for project work

Warm-Up

• Begin by asking the students to brainstorm what they already know about European settlement in North America and the impacts it might have had on the Native Americans. Write their ideas on the board.
• Next, show the students a map of North America and ask them to locate the areas where the European settlers originally settled. Explain that these areas are known as colonies.
• Ask the students to think about how the Native Americans might have been impacted by the arrival of the European settlers.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by providing a brief overview of the history of European settlement in North America, including the motivations for colonization and the impacts on the native peoples.
• Use the handouts to provide more detailed information on the topic.
• Emphasize the concept that the arrival of the European settlers had a profound impact on the Native Americans, including the loss of their land, culture, and way of life.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a set of primary sources related to the topic.
• Have students work together to analyze the sources and extract any relevant information.
• Have a few students present their findings to the class.
• Ask questions to the class about the information presented and discuss the impacts of European settlement on the Native Americans.
• Encourage students to think critically about the sources and the implications of their information.

Independent Practice

• Assign students a project-based independent practice where they research and create a presentation on a specific topic related to the impacts of European settlement on the Native Americans.
• Encourage students to use multiple sources and think critically about the information they are presenting.
• Provide support and guidance as needed.

Closure

• Review the main points of the lesson and have students share their presentations.
• Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how it relates to current events and issues.

Assessment

• Observe students during the group activity and independent practice to ensure they are understanding the material.
• Collect and grade the presentations for completion and understanding of the material.