Related Resources
Bison: One-Stop Shopping
The American bison, or buffalo, is one of the most significant animals to many American Indian nations. It was critical to the survival of those nations who lived on the Great Plains. From the head to the tail, every part of the bison was used. Plains people made tipis and clothing from hides, soap from fat, and tools from bones. Bison not only provided American Indians with food, shelter, and tools but they were also integrated into their histories, religions, and cultural traditions.
learning objectives
- Learn about the importance and significance of bison in the lives of the people of the Great Plains, historical and contemporary.
- Learn how Native people's understandings of the universe come from a variety of cultural and scientific perspectives.
grades
K
1
2
3
Subjects
History, Engineering, and Technology
Essential Understandings
1: American Indian Cultures
Culture is a result of human socialization. People acquire knowledge and values by interacting with other people through common language, place, and community. In the Americas, there is vast cultural diversity among more than 2,000 tribal groups. Tribes have unique cultures and ways of life that span history from time immemorial to the present day.
3: People, Places, and Environments
For thousands of years, Indigenous people have studied, managed, honored, and thrived in their homelands. These foundations continue to influence American Indian relationships and interactions with the land today.
Registration
Use the calendar below to request a virtual field trip. Programs must be requested at least 7 days in advance. All program times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
As part of the registration process, you will be asked to confirm your program theme. NMAI staff will review your program request and contact you to confirm whether your request can be accommodated.
We recommend scheduling a test call with us before your program. You will be able to request a test call on the registration form.
Questions? Contact Group Reservations at NMAI-GroupReservations@si.edu.
