Distance Learning

Peoples of the Niobrara River Valley

Grade Level:
High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts

Peoples of the Niobrara River Valley Lesson Plan

History and Culture Writing Lesson
Niobrara Scenic River & Nebraska Writing Project

Materials
Objectives
  • Students will be able to compose thoughtful written responses centralized on themes of family and care-taking for the land of the Niobrara River Valley. 

  • Students will reflect on their own life experiences and family stories through reflective discussions following the example of selected speakers. 

  • Students will give their “place” a voice considering those who take care of it and how it takes care of them. 

Lesson Outline

60 minutes 

OR  

Two 30 minute sessions 

  • Introduction to the Niobrara National Scenic River 

  • Peoples of the Niobrara River 

  • Native Americans 

  • Guided Discussion 

  • Guided Writing 

  • Homesteader/Ranchers 

  • Guided Discussion 

  • Guided Writing 

  • Outfitters 

  • Guided Discussion 

  • Guided Writing 

  • Conclusion and Thank you to Partners 

Introduction

2 Minutes 

  • Susan Cook, NPS, Niobrara NSR – 2 minutes 

  • Introduction to the Niobrara National Scenic River 

  • 76 miles of river 

  • 6 Ecosystems 

  • Outstanding Resources of Value: scenery, recreation, geology, paleontology, wildlife 

  • Introduction to the Peoples of the Niobrara 

  • Native Americans 

  • Homesteaders/Ranchers 

  • Outfitters 

Native Americans

17 Minutes 

  • Phyllis Stone, Lakota Elder Interview – 7 minutes 

  • Knowledge gained from Family 

  • Star Stories and Traditions 

  • Caring for the land 

  • Star Poem 

  • Guided Discussion - 5 minutes 

  • Family passes down knowledge 

  • Guided Writing - 5 minutes 

  • What had your family taught you about stars? 

Homesteaders/Ranchers 

20 minutes 

  • Debby Galloway, Homesteader/Rancher interview – 10 minutes 

  • Living on the Niobrara River 

  • Ranching Culture, community events 

  • How family thrives for generations 

  • Guided Discussion - 5 minutes 

  • Community on the river 

  • Grit and survival 

  • Struggles your family has overcome 

  • Guided Writing - 5 minutes 

  • How water is essential for life 

  • Place or experience that exemplifies your heart 

Outfitters

17 minutes 

  • Steve Breuklander, River Outfitter – 7 minutes 

  • The age of recreation on the Niobrara 

  • River Valley economy over time 

  • River outfitting/affect on family culture 

  • Guided Discussion - 5 minutes 

  • Use of environment and local economy 

  • Guided Writing – 5 minutes 

  • Story of the Niobrara River through history 

  • Give your “place” a voice on industry, economy, and family livelihood 

Conclusion 

1 minute 

  • Susan Cook, NPS – 1 minute 

  • Call to action to care for the Niobrara National Scenic River 

Notes from the Creators: 

To access the full playlist of Ever-Changing Currents Lessons, please visit our YouTube page, “Niobrara National Scenic River NPS,” and see our “Lesson Plans” playlist https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHbU2YEJH9WA_owDStTa1Q/playlists 

Lesson outlines and materials are available on the Niobrara National Scenic River Website, www.nps.gov/niob/learn, or through the Nebraska Writing Project, www.unl.edu/newp

With these resources you are allowed to: 

  • Print as many copies as needed for your classroom and for the students under your immediate instruction. 

  • Use in conjunction within a secure and closed online environment, such as Google Classroom or Schoology. 

  • Share with partnering teachers/organizations. 

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO: 

  • Post this resource on any class/personal website or blog. 

  • Edit, redistribute, sell, or post this resource as your own. 

Last updated: March 23, 2021