Math: Philanthropy
Overview
Philanthropy is a core value of Native American tribes in Oregon. Many tribes refer to this as the “spirit of potlatch,” which is a tradition that goes back hundreds and possibly thousands of years. In this spirit, many tribes have created charitable foundations or funds to support causes that benefit the local and surrounding communities. Collectively, tribal foundations are among the largest sources of philanthropy in Oregon.
This lesson uses the mathematical practice of fractions to introduce students to Native philanthropy. Students are given a dataset and asked to perform fraction concepts and justify their choices as part of a philanthropic effort. Students will be addressing Critical Areas 1 and 2 while addressing mathematical practices.
Math: Philanthropy
- Students should have a prior understanding of grade 3 fractions, including recognizing and generating simple equivalent fractions, using a visual fraction model, and comparing two fractions. (3.NF.3) Teachers can check for understanding using the Fraction Bar Refresher worksheet prior to or in addition to this lesson.
- Teachers can learn more about the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon and their many philanthropic efforts by visiting the following websites:
- Burns Paiute Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw
- Three Rivers Foundation
- Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
- Spirit Mountain Community Fund
- Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
- Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
- Wildhorse Foundation
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
- Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
- Coquille Indian Tribe
- Coquille Tribal Community Fund
- The Potlatch Fund
- First Nations Development Institute
- The Klamath Tribes
Use the links below to access resources for this lesson:
Additional Materials: