Summary: The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, opened in 1879, was a model for many other boarding schools for Native American children. Students examine four historical documents to answer the question: What was the purpose of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School?

Overarching Questions:

  • CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
  • CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
  • ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)

NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:

  • 6.1.12.CivicsDP.5.a: Analyze the effectiveness of governmental policies and of actions by groups and individuals to address discrimination against new immigrants, Native Americans, and African Americans
  • 6.1.12.EconEM.5.a: Assess the impact of governmental efforts to regulate industrial and financial systems in order to provide economic stability
  • 6.1.12.HistoryUP.5.a: Using primary sources, relate varying immigrants’ experiences to gender, race, ethnicity, or occupation

Link to Lesson: Carlisle Indian Industrial School | Digital Inquiry Group