Introduction
Today we will be learning about Native American totem poles. You will be a member of a 4 person Clan within our classroom Tribe. You will explore online then create a totem pole that represents your clan. After each Clan has finsished creating their totem, we will present and have a totem pole raising ceremony!
Task
During this webquest, you will explore the links I have provided on your own and learn about how and why totem poles are made. You will then create your own Clan totem pole, write about each symbol and present it to the class.
Process
Explore these websites:
- http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/home/culture/totem-poles.html
- http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
Discuss as a Clan what you value/what characteristics represent you.
Decide what order you want to place those 4 or 5 things in. Bottom to top = Least to most important.
Create your online totem pole and print:
Write an explaination for each symbol you chose and be prepared to share with the Tribe.
Evaluation
You will be evaluated as a clan and as an individual. Each student will fill out a confidental assessment, telling me (the teacher) how much work each student. I expect it to be equal but I expect honesty as well.
Group Grade:
Work Time: On Task Needed Reminders Ineffective group
5 4 3 2 1
Totem & Explaination: Clear Questionable Doesn't Relate
5 4 3 2 1
Presentation: Orderly Disorganized Did Not Present
5 4 3 2 1
Individual Grade:
Draw a pie chart and label. Each section should represent one person in the group's amount of work.
Ideally each section should be even, creating 4 equal slices.
Conclusion
Thank you for creating such great totem poles! Now I want you to find a place around the room and tape it up (it's a mini totem-raising ceremony!) They'll stay there for the remainder of our unit studying Native American's.
