Seventh Grade - Social Studies

 

Activities


Ute Leaders Influence Utah

Financial and Economic Concepts: Economic Reasoning

Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 2: Students will understand the contributions of Native American Indians, explorers, and Utah's pioneers.

Objective 1: Examine the contributions of Native American Indians to the culture of Utah.

Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Computer and projector for movie clip, Handouts

This lesson helps students understand the influence of four important Ute leaders—Wakara, Black Hawk, Ouray, and Tabby-To-Kwanah. Each of these men courageously guided their people through difficult periods in Ute history, and their examples of leadership lends insight into the struggle of the Ute people as non-Indians took over their land.  The Utes experienced real, day to day conflict that threatened their existing economic system. The students will use the information they learn about each leader to fill in a timeline of Ute history. Doing so will help them understand the important roles Ute Indians have played in the history of Utah.  Have students watch the video clip, review the timeline background, and complete the worksheet.  As a class, discuss the questions below.

Video Clip: (5:36) "We Shall Remain: The Ute"

Ute Leadership Ute Leadership - At a Glance (pdf) -  General information and background for the teacher.

Ute Timeline Ute Timeline (pdf) - Handout for students with specific details of Ute experiences.

Ute Timeline Worksheet Ute Timeline Worksheet (pdf) - Students fill this in while using Ute Timeline.

Discussion Questions Discussion Questions (pdf) - Discuss as a class at the conclusion of the activity. 

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The Bartering System

Financial and Economic Concepts: Economic Reasoning

Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 2: Students will understand the contributions of Native American Indians, explorers, and Utah's pioneers.

Objective 3: Describe the significance of pioneers in Utah history.

Time: 45 minutes
Materials: 3 one dollar bills. Students need to bring one $1 item from home to trade with others.

Pioneers had wants and needs in Utah in the 1840's, 50's, and 60's, but the lack of cash severely dampened the economy. The influx of even a little cash went a long way toward building Utah's economy. In this activity, students will participate in a bartering activity where they can experience the impact that cash had on early Utah settlers.

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Change for a $5?

Financial and Economic Concepts: Economic Reasoning

Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 2: Students will understand the contributions of Native American Indians, explorers, and Utah's pioneers.

Objective 3: Describe the significance of pioneers in Utah history.

Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Dollar bill, Sand (preferably in a small pouch), Precise scales, paper and art supplies (optional)

Barter, or exchange of goods, was sufficient for early pioneer society, but it was not always convenient or practical. Furthermore, for obtaining needed supplies from the East it was worthless. To develop universally acceptable currency, Mormon leaders decided to mint gold coins, using gold dust from California. In this activity, students will experience why gold was not always the best medium of exchange.

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Servants of the Community

Financial and Economic Concepts: Charitable Giving
Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 2: Students will understand the contributions of Native American Indians, explorers, and Utah's pioneers.

Objective 3: Describe the significance of pioneers in Utah history.

Standard 6: Students will understand the impact of major contemporary events that concern the land and people of Utah.

Objective 1: Identify and investigate major contemporary events that affect individuals, institutions, and society.

Time: 30 minutes longer if desired
Materials: Handouts

Community minded citizens can make a lasting difference. Everyone can serve their community in some way.  This lesson will help students recognize that money is not the only way to give of themselves.

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How the Economy Works

Financial and Economic Concepts: Economic Reasoning

Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 4: Students will understand the diverse ways people make a living in Utah.

Objective 3: Examine aspects that have broadened Utah’s economy.

Use the Scholastic News Online Special Report on the economy to help students understand both general economic terms and the roots of the current crisis.

Student Worksheet Student Workseet (pdf)

Complete Lesson Plan Complete Lesson Plan

Resources for Lesson Additional Resources - In this special collection, you'll find advice on how to talk to your students and ideas on how to incorporate this topic into your curriculum.

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Reflections on Charitable Contributions

Financial and Economic Concepts: Charitable Giving

Seventh Grade – Utah Studies

Standard 6: Students will understand the impact of major contemporary events that concern the land and people of Utah.

Objective 1: Identify and investigate major contemporary events that affect individuals, institutions, and society.

Activity 1:
Have students write an essay on a charitable event or activity they have been involved with or know about.

Activity 2:
Have students research Utah philanthropists (e.g., Jon M. Huntsman, James L. Sorenson, George S. and Delores Dore Eccles) and write about their lives and their contributions.