THE PEOPLE OF THE VALLEY
YOUR COMMUNITY

Grade Level:
4^th-8^th

Standards Integration:
Minnesota:
Grades 4-5: Inquiry and Research-Media, Observation, and Investigation
C. Direct observation and interviews, including identifying a topic or area for investigation, writing a detailed description of the observation, conducting an interview with follow-up questions, or designing and conducting a survey, recording and organizing information, and evaluating the findings to identify areas for further investigation.
Grades 6-8: Social Studies-History and Citizenship
3. Constructing a history of a local community, institution, or the role of individuals to illustrate a continuum of change.

North Dakota:
Grades K-4: Social Studies-Nature and Scope of History
4.1.2 Know key events, people, and ideas and understand their contribution to the history of North Dakota.
Grades 5-8: Social Studies-Nature and Scope of History
8.1.2 Understand how key events, people, and ideas contributed to North Dakota history.

Materials:
None

Objectives:

The students will develop a timeline of significant events in their own communities to gain a better understanding of the significant role each community has played in the shaping pf Red River Valley history and culture.

Background:
General knowledge and understanding of the community in which the student lives is necessary to complete these activities.

Pre-Visit Activity:
Make a list of dates of significant or interesting events in the history of your community (its founding; establishment of the first school, house of worship, library, store, theater, or factory; a battle; an act of nature, such as a tornado or flood). Have the students choose several of events as components for a living timeline. Tape together pieces of drawing paper to construct a timeline around the room. Mark time periods on the paper and add the dates and events in chronological order. Attach the timeline to the wall. Bring your class’s timeline with you on a visit to the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center.

Post-Visit Activity:
Discuss how your community has made an impact on the Red River Valley through its development, growth, economy, or cultural makeup. Have the students add these events to your timeline. Discuss how the Red River has affected your community, whether it has been the river itself, Valley economies, various cultural interaction, or in some other way. Display the timelines so others can learn more about your community and its place in the history and culture of the Red River Valley.