A "Role Play" Activity

This page was written by Erin Klauk as part of the DLESE Community Services Project: Integrating Research in Education

Introduction:

Resource development has in the past, and continues to affect Native American lands. Using a case study approach, we will comprehensively attempt to answer the questions below.

What are the benefits from resource development on Native American lands? Who benefits from resource development on Native American lands? What are the impacts (e.g. health, economic) on the peoples and the local environment from resource development on Native American lands?

To explore these issues, use these comprehensive webpages that provide essential information about numerous peoples and topics that address these questions.

Assignment:

We will use a "role-play" approach to explore many dimensions of resource development on Native American lands. Students will be divided into 2 groups representing 1) the US government, and 2) tribal elders. Each group will take about a week to research and find information on the website pertaining to their assigned roles. After students have enough information to address the above bold questions, in one class period, each group will decide on the essential evidence that informs their point of view (at least 5 key points). In the next class period, each group will report out this information to the class during the 'town meeting'. Finally, the class period ends with a general discussion about the overall issue of resource development on Native American lands.

For further information about teaching with the Role Playing Technique, see the Starting Point collection.