HistoryinLayers

History in Layers is a history unit where students create multimedia narratives to examine and document Indigenous histories, challenge myths, and understand how Indigenous cultures influenced the U.S.

History in Layers (900–present) invites students to root their learning in place, beginning their U.S. history journey with the Indigenous histories that have shaped, sustained, and endured in the lands they call home. Students examine local histories and cultural legacies, challenge dominant myths, and amplify Indigenous presence, past and present. They uncover the layers of history embedded in places they care about, discovering stories, perspectives, and artifacts along the way to piece together their own historical narrative. At the heart of this learning experience is the Search History Project—a student-driven inquiry into a place they care about. Using diverse sources and community perspectives, students investigate the Indigenous histories of that place, assemble multimedia artifacts, and create a narrative that challenges the Myth of Discovery. As they explore how U.S. history has been told—and what has been left out—students build skills in evaluating perspectives, connecting with community, historical thinking, and translating ideas into impact. Each project is unique, rooted in curiosity and a deepening understanding of place.

Competency Focus

Cultures

Understand different cultures

Logical Thinking

Analyze assumptions and reasoning

Sharing Ideas

Put forward new concepts