Using DigitalHeritage.org in your classroom
Our goal is for our site to be used in classrooms locally, as well as across the country, to show the importance of the mountain culture and its impact. Please let us know how we can assist you with incorporating the stories you find on this page.
The lesson plans available on our site were created through Western Carolina University’s An Adventure of the American Mind program funded by the Library of Congress. On the home page, under “Lesson Plans” you will find many lesson plans available for your use categorized by grade level or subject.
Also, we have pulled articles which deal with mountain related NC symbols and we have our own site for lesson plans and activities below. Also be sure to take a look at the education programs available at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. http://www.wcu.edu/2396.asp
State Symbols
North Carolina History is mainly taught in fourth grade so the following goals and objectives are pulled from the fourth grade Standard Course of Study. But, the linked pages can be used in all grade levels. If you would like more information please let us know.
Related 4th Grade Goals and Objectives
1.02 Describe and compare physical and cultural characteristics of the regions.
3.02 Identify people, symbols, events, and documents associated with North Carolina’s history.
4.01 Assess and evaluate the importance of regional diversity on the development of economic, social, and political institutions in North Carolina.
5.02 Describe traditional art, music, and craft forms in North Carolina.
5.03 Describe and compare the cultural characteristics of regions within North Carolina and evaluate their significance.
Mountain Related NC Symbols
- Christmas Tree: Frasier Fir
- Festivals: Folkmoot USA
- State Insect: Honey Bee
- Dances: Clogging
- Dog: Plott Hound
- Freshwater Trout: Southern Appalachian Brook Trout
- Rock: Granite
- Wildflower: Carolina Lily
- Tree: Pine (Table Mountain, Virginia, Eastern White Pine, and Short Leaf Pine)
More Teacher Resources
Here is a list of more resources that will help you incorporate mountain heritage into your classroom:
- AAM Workshops– A series of workshops created for educators to incorporate the Library of Congress in the classroom.
- Mountain Heritage Center- Educational Resources– Located on Western Carolina University’s campus, this center is dedicated to encouraging the exploration and appreciation of the Appalachian region: its land, its people, and its culture. Contact the center about “in house” and “outreach” educational programs.
- Craft Revival: Shaping Western North Carolina Past and Present– A project of Hunter Library at Western Carolina University, its aim is to create a research-based website that documents an historic effort to revive handcraft in the western part of the state. This site includes a multitude of lesson plans from grades K-12.
- Local Resources– A listing of Western North Carolina local people, places, things, and events to integrate into teaching and learning activities.
- Library of Congress– The materials used for the AAM plans and activities were found through the Library of Congress. The digital collections may be useful to accompany the plans you use.
- LearnNC– Learn NC has both materials and instructional plans available for local topics as well as national and global.