Overview: This lesson is part of a larger collection of lessons developed by NET - Nebraska Studies project work and accompany website. To see all of the lessons use the keyword search "Nebraska Studies".

Lesson 3 has a variety of activities and materials related African American Settlers in Nebraska from 1850 - 1874.

There are a variety of activities and materials that can be used with students of various grade levels. All of these items are tied to the NET Nebraska Studies Timeline materials which are shown and linked throughout the lesson. Teachers are not intended to use all of the contents within this lesson but to pick which activities or materials they would prefer to use with their students depending on the teachers needs. Most of the materials are shown within the lesson and/or have external links to the content or other content which may be helpful to the lesson's activities or materials.

This inquiry is designed to investigate the idea of Manifest Destiny and the role that Manifest Destiny played in the removal of the Natives from their land. Ultimately, students will create claims with evidence regarding whether or not Manifest Destiny justified the removal of Native Americans from their lands.   Resource created by Becky Michel, Conestoga Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the process of immigration and assimilation in the United States in the 19th century. Resource created by Chris Nemetz, West Holt Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This 4th grade inquiry expands on the students’ understandings of the Oregon Trail expansion while also looking at the perspectives of those who were involved. The compelling question - “Did the Oregon Trail lead to positive change in our country? - engages students in the examination of the perspectives of the pioneers who traveled the trail and the Native Americans who lived near the trail.Resource created by Nicole Hiner, Columbus Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Inquiry Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This resource was created by Melissa Smith, in collaboration with Lynn Bowder, as part of ESU2's Mastering the Arts project. This project is a four year initiative focused on integrating arts into the core curriculum through teacher education and experiential learning.

This lesson should follow discussion regarding basic methods to saving money and basic money management.

This lesson will provide information about the difference of saving money and investing money. A specific emphasis on what a mutual fund is, and how this investing strategy can be used for long-term financial growth.

This inquiry focuses on the relationship between national parks and Americans. In this inquiry, students will learn about the need and the formation of National Parks. Lastly, students will form their own thoughts on what national parks mean to the United States. Resource created by Katelyn Bonifas, West Holt Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation into the discovery of issues the Native Americans faced as the United States expanded further west. While this inquiry is very general to include as many tribes as possible, it might benefit students most if the teacher focuses on tribes local to the state, or area they are located. By focusing on the issues the Native Americans faced, students have an opportunity to build empathy and respect for Native Americans by examining their lives in a new light.  Resource created by Spencer Vogt, Peru State College, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This resource was created by Tessa Avery and Chris Swalley, in collaboration with Dawn DeTurk, Hannah Blomstedt, and Julie Albrecht, as part of ESU2's Integrating the Arts project. This project is a four year initiative focused on integrating arts into the core curriculum through teacher education, practice, and coaching.

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of natural disasters and why people live in areas that are consistently affected by natural disasters. Resource created by Matt Myers, Nebraska City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how the symbols used in flag design represent history and culture, specifically for Nebraskans. Students will be introduced to the field of Vexilollogy, which is the study of flags. Resource created Kyle Vincent, Cozad Community Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the problem solving that goes into the formation of a government, and more specifically, the legislative branch. Students will examine what went into the formation of our federal government’s bicameral legislature, why Nebraska broke the mold and is our nation’s only unicameral legislature and examine if this system is still serving Nebraska appropriately. Resource created by Thomas Yoachim, Centura Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This 7th grade inquiry leads students through an investigation of the forms and functions of government across the world and what happens when governments do not meet the needs of its citizens.  It focuses on answering the question: “Is government even necessary?” Resource created by Kristian Schank, Gering Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

In this 8th grade inquiry students will analyze the "The New Colossus" poem by Emma Lazarus. Students will investigate primary sources detailing how poor immigrants were processed through Ellis Island and how a poor immigrant to the United States would typically live. Finally, students will compare and contrast the language used in "The New Colossus" and the expectations it could create with the reality of life in the United States for a poor immigrant.  Resource created by Nathan Ott, Omaha Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry focuses on the westward expansion and the Oregon Trail. Students will learn about the location and landmarks of the trail, hardships that the travelers endured on these trails, and what was needed for a successful journey. The questions, tasks, and sources asks students to explore sources that showcase what life was like for the pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Resource created by Jane Nincehelser, Oakland-Craig Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2022 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of Loyalists during the forming of our nation. Resource created by Jinger Larsen, Sargent Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of different forms of political participation and their effectiveness through the context of the Civil War.  Resource created by Brandon Callahan, Elgin Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the origin of the United States government. In this inquiry the students will analyze why the colonists fought for independence against Britain and formed the government we have today. Resource created by Christina Adkins, Nebraska City Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).

This resource was created by Denise Stevenson, in collaboration with Lynn Bowder, as part of ESU2's Mastering the Arts project. This project is a four year initiative focused on integrating arts into the core curriculum through teacher education and experiential learning.

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of property taxes in Nebraska. It focuses on the history, administration, and use of revenue from the taxes. Relief efforts both past and current will be analyzed with students formulating their own solutions. Resource created by Dan Gossman, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, as part of the Nebraska ESUCC Social Studies Special Projects 2023 - Inquiry Design Model (IDM).