National Museum of the American Indian | Smithsonian
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Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative
Transforming teaching and learning
about Native Americans
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workshops and programs.
In the Spotlight
Native Knowledge 360°’s (NK360°) new source investigation format employs a structured inquiry method by which students use historical evidence to answer open-ended questions and construct their own arguments.
Collage featuring photographs and text
Source investigation
The Impact of the Gold Rush on Native Americans of California
This lesson asks students to answer the question, Do American actions against the Native peoples of California during the gold rush meet the United Nations definition of genocide? Grades 8–12
collage featuing baskets, interior of a church, sketch of two figures, man with a bow
Source investigation
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: 4th Grade Edition
This inquiry lesson asks students to answer the question, Native Americans of California during the mission period: How did Native people resist and persist in the face of extreme adversity?
collage featuing portraits of a man and a woman, text, a sketch of two figures, a woven bag, and a basket
Source investigation
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: Middle & High School Edition
This inquiry lesson asks students to answer the question, Native Americans of California during the mission period: How did Native people resist and persist in the face of extreme adversity?
Featured Teacher Programs
illustration featuring panels with figures engaging in life activities
2024 Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In
November 2, 2024
Online

The 2024 Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In, in collaboration with Teaching for Change, is an opportunity for educators to strategize ways to uplift and bring Native voices directly into the classroom.

Program Details

edX Course: Foundations for Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans
Through November 7, 2024
Online

Learners will explore the impact of problematic narratives about Native Americans, as well as learn ways to recognize and share more complete narratives.

Program Details
NMAI New York, NY and NMAI Washington, DC
Explore NK360° Educational Resources
collage featuing baskets, interior of a church, sketch of two figures, man with a bow
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: 4th Grade Edition
collage featuring a basket, writing, a photograph of a woman, a photograph of a man, an illustration of a figure, and a woven bag with shells
California Native American Survival and Resilience During the Mission Period: Middle & High School Edition
illustration featuring panels with figures engaging in life activities
The “First Thanksgiving”: How Can We Tell a Better Story?
illustration of an adult and kids in silhouette watching a screen
What’s the Story with National Stories?
collage of photographs and articles
The Impact of the Gold Rush on Native Americans of California
photograph of the Pamunky River
Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia
illustration of silhouetted figures
Lenape (Delaware) Homeland
illustrations of figures on a map
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Lands and the American Revolution
photograph of a basket filled with cranberries
Cranberry Day: Traditional Harvest Festivals
Search the museum’s collection
Bring impactful, Native-centered primary source materials into your classroom through the museum’s Collections Search.
Educators participating in teacher workshops
Professional Development
Explore workshops designed to equip teachers with critical concepts and engaging pedagogy to support a transformation in teaching and learning about Native Americans.
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Group Timed Entry
Student groups interested in timed entry to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center or the Native New York exhibition in November 2024 may make a reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans
What is the correct terminology: American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous, or Native?
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