Overview
Lesson 1: Indian Rights Today
Lesson 2: Trading in Grand Ronde Country
Lesson 3: Mapping the Grand Ronde Story
Lesson 4: Two History Timelines
Lesson 5: Epidemics Then and Now
Extending the lesson/References
Standards
SOCIAL SCIENCE ANALYSIS
SS.05.SA.01—Examine an event, issue, or problem through inquiry and research.
SS.05.SA.02—Gather, use, and document information from multiple sources.
SS.05.SA.03—Identify and study two or more points of view of an event, issue, or problem.
SS.05.SA.04—Identify characteristics of an event, issue or problem, suggesting possible causes and results.
SS.05.SA.05—Identify a response or solution and support why it makes sense, using support from research.
CD Segments to Play
For this topic, go to Historical Introduction and Health and Healing.
Background
This lesson introduces children to epidemics such as the kinds that devastated Indian tribes across America after white men arrived and that left the village of Nichaqwli at Blue Lake Park near Portland in shambles before Lewis and Clark visited in 1806. They will also learn that epidemics can still occur today if we are not careful with the ways we wash our hands and other preventive measures. The last major epidemic in the USA was in 1918 when flu killed thousands of persons across the country. Today, there are different kids of epidemics, such as diabetes, which is not spread like germs but can be avoided with proper diet and exercise. Diabetes is particularly rampant in Indian communities and other cultural groups. Experts say that American children are growing more obese and sedentary, thanks perhaps to TV and computer games. Traditional native ways of life balanced consumption of natural foods prepared in healthy ways with plenty of physical activity to sustain their daily lives. Now that life is easier, the danger of diabetes is more of a public health concern.
Suggested Strategies
Work with your school nurse before beginning this activity. There may be educational materials available locally that will assist, particularly those that talk about nutrition and exercise. Diabetes educators are now helping inform newly-diagnosed diabetics about the disease and its treatment. Public health departments may also have materials to share (at the county level).
Find out from your school principal if it is permissible to ask about diabetes patterns in your school’s families and the learning activities suggested below.
Activities
1. Research
Conduct a survey in your class to determine if any child is diabetic. Ask the child if she/he would be willing to describe to class how this affects daily living and the warning signs that must be heeded. The child might demonstrate how insulin is managed, for example, and how other students can help if they observe the student in distress.
Describe to students the two kinds of diabetes: Type I (usually diagnosed in children and a lifelong issue requiring constant monitoring) and Type II (often first diagnosed in adulthood).
Gather as much information as possible about diabetes and its local involvement (spread).