Grade inferred from the archived academic standard codes; check suitability for your students.
Archived standards are preserved as originally published and may differ from current standards.
Compelling question
Why are certain sites in South Dakota considered sacred to the Oceti Sakowin?
Standards & practices
9-12.G.1.1 Use maps and other geographic representations, tools and technologies to
acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
9-12.G.2. Distinguish between the Five Themes of Geography and their key
components
9-12.G.3.2 Gather, organize, and analyze evidence that shows how the physical
environment and culture contribute to the characteristics of places and regions.
OSEU 3.3 – Recall Oceti Sakowin sacred sites, creation stories, and star knowledge and
describe how they relate to each other, and how they are still used today on and off the
reservation.
Staging the question
Describe the seven sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin and explain why they are
important.
Supporting inquiries
Supporting question 1
What are the seven sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin?
Formative performance task
Complete a chart that lists and describes the importance
of each sacred site.
Make a list of pros and cons that the government could use to justify
protecting each sacred site.
Extension
Create a brochure for one of the sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin.
Taking informed action
Write a letter to the editor urging the State of South Dakota to protect ONE of the
sacred sites in South Dakota.
Elder sources included in this lesson
No specific Elder video could be matched to the archived lesson’s source references.
Original text & supporting materials
The complete archived text is retained here, including details that may extend beyond the inquiry blueprint.
Read the full archived lesson text
Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
“Sacred Sites of the Oceti Sakowin” | OSEU 3: Culture & Language
Compelling Question
Why are certain sites in South Dakota considered sacred to the Oceti Sakowin?
Standards and Practices
9-12.G.1.1 Use maps and other geographic representations, tools and technologies to
acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
9-12.G.2. Distinguish between the Five Themes of Geography and their key
components
9-12.G.3.2 Gather, organize, and analyze evidence that shows how the physical
environment and culture contribute to the characteristics of places and regions.
OSEU 3.3 – Recall Oceti Sakowin sacred sites, creation stories, and star knowledge and
describe how they relate to each other, and how they are still used today on and off the
reservation.
Staging the Question
Describe the seven sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin and explain why they are
important.
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
What are the seven sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin?
Where are the seven sites located?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Complete a chart that lists and describes the importance
of each sacred site.
Using latitude and longitude, plot the location of each site on
a map.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
http://harneypeakinfo.com/
https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm
http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/bear-butte/
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/tribes-buy-
final-piece-of-pe-sla/article_7b584d77-d2a0-5184-98c5-
81396f76bc4e.html
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/specialplaces/
?cid=stelprdb5063000
http://geometryofplace.com/bkhills.html
http://prezi.com/sajf1qyxrcgg/?utm_campaign=share&utm_
medium=copy&rc=ex0share
Summative
Performance Task
Argument
Make a list of pros and cons that the government could use to justify
protecting each sacred site.
Extension
Create a brochure for one of the sacred sites of the Oceti Sakowin.
Taking Informed Action
Write a letter to the editor urging the State of South Dakota to protect ONE of the
sacred sites in South Dakota.