Uses of the Buffalo

Traveling Resource Trunk

Grades two and seven

It is often said that the buffalo was the general store for the Plains Indians. It was so important that the lives of those American Indians living on the Great Plains revolved around it. Their reliance on the buffalo extended far beyond that of food.

Examine items such as a buffalo bladder, parfleche, scapula, and sinew as you ask questions, find answers, and learn the about the buffalo and the Plains Indians.

Lessons in this trunk are designed to correlate with the second grade study of then and now and the seventh grade study of the impact of settlement on the lives of the Plains Indians.

The items contained in this trunk make it a great program addition in non-classroom settings. Youth groups find it useful in meeting badge or project requirements. The hands-on components lend themselves to discovery center areas in museums and libraries. The objects in the trunk bring additional meaning to programs in retirement and assisted living centers.