aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 5
What topic	How can we use historical evidence to disrupt misconceptions about indigenous peoples?
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Disrupting Misconceptions about Indigenous Peoples

Hook: A Time Travel Invitation

Scenario: Journey Through Time

Imagine you could step into a time machine and visit any moment in history. You could meet incredible people, see amazing places, and learn things that no textbook can fully capture. Today, we will embark on our own journey through time as we explore the rich and diverse stories of Indigenous peoples. But there’s a twist!

Mystery Object Challenge

In front of you is a mysterious object covered with a cloth. This object represents something significant about Indigenous culture or history. Before we reveal it, I want you to think about what you already know (or think you know) about Indigenous peoples.

1. Take a moment to jot down two words that come to mind when you hear the term "Indigenous peoples."
2. Discuss with your neighbor: What images or stories pop into your head? Are they positive, negative, or mixed?

Reveal the Object

Now, let’s uncover our mystery object! [Uncover the object—a traditional item, a piece of artwork, or a replica artifact].

Discussion: Challenging Misconceptions

As you examine this object, think about the following questions:

• What does this object tell us about the culture or beliefs of the people it represents?
• How might our preconceptions (what we think we know) change when we learn more about the stories behind this object?

Transition to Learning Objectives

In today’s lesson, we will learn how to use historical evidence to correct misunderstandings and celebrate the diversity and richness of Indigenous peoples' histories. We'll examine primary and secondary sources and engage in discussions to uncover the truth behind common misconceptions.

Conclusion

Get ready to put on your historical detective hats as we start our adventure to gather and analyze evidence that helps us see the full picture of Indigenous histories!