Native American Life

The lands of North and South American were populated by a wide range of cultural groups and civilizations collectively referred to as Native Americans, Indigenous Americans or American Indians. 

Some created empires like the Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Inca of Mesoamerica and South America. 

Some created sophisticated civilizations and impressive settlements like the Cliff Dwellers and the Mound Builders. 

Some traveled that lands as nomadic groups and still others developed unique technologies or governing systems. 

Understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of these first peoples can help explain why the later European settlers struggled to understand and work with them. 

Task

Each student will work independently to find the information needed for their topic. Use the links provided to help you start gathering information. Outside sources may be used so long as they are professional and not generated by AI. 

Step 1: Read through the general information overview about the peoples of each region - Southwest, Great Plains, Woodlands, Southeast, and Northwest. Summarize the lifestyle, languages, physical characteristics, land etc. of the groups of each region on the provided document. This information will help you with step 2. 

Southwest Native Americans: 

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/southwest-native-americans.htm (General info)

https://www.bigorrin.org/pueblo_kids.htm (Pueblo culture)

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/native-american-map.htm (Map/land info)

Great Plains Indians: 

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/great-plains-indians.htm (general info)

https://www.bigorrin.org/apache_kids.htm (Apache info)

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/native-american-map.htm (map/land info)

Woodland Indians: 

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/woodland-indians.htm (general info)

https://www.bigorrin.org/iroquois_kids.htm (Iroquois info)

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/native-american-map.htm (map/land info)

Southeast Native Americans: 

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/southeast-native-americans.htm (general info)

https://www.bigorrin.org/cherokee_kids.htm (Cherokee info)

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/native-american-map.htm (map/land info)

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/mississippian-culture/ (Mississippian culture) 

Northwest Coast Native Americans: 

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/northwest-native-americans.htm (general info)

https://www.bigorrin.org/chinook_kids.htm (Chinook info)

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indians/native-american-map.htm (map/land info)

Step 2: The teacher has a list of Native American tribes found in the regions you just summarized. You are going to choose one to research. The list is first come, first served and topics may not be repeated.  

Step 3: When you have finished gathering information, you will organize and create a poster. Think of this poster as a presentation - a way to tell everyone else about the unique culture you researched. 

This poster must include the information you wrote down on your chart/paper, a historical map of where the tribe lived, and 3 pictures (printed out or drawn) that represent your region and/or tribe.

https://mscorbmansclass.weebly.com/native-americans-webquest.html (possible resource)

https://www.ducksters.com/history/native_americans.php (possible resource)
 

Step 1: Read through the general information overview about the peoples of each region - Southwest, Great Plains, Woodlands, Southeast, and Northwest. Summarize the lifestyle, languages, physical characteristics, land etc. of the groups of each region on the provided document. This information will help you with step 2.

Step 2: The teacher has a list of Native American tribes found in the regions you just summarized. You are going to choose one to research. The list is first come, first served and topics may not be repeated.  

Step 3: When you have finished gathering information, you will organize and create a poster. Think of this poster as a presentation - a way to tell everyone else about the unique culture you researched. 

This poster must include the information you wrote down on your chart/paper, a historical map of where the tribe lived, and 3 pictures (printed out or drawn) that represent your region and/or tribe.

Step 4 (optional): If you would like additional credit, you may compare the chosen Tribe with colonial period European culture. 

The provided packet will be a part of the grade as it documents your research. The poster will be a demonstration of your understanding of the Tribe you chose to research. 

If you would like additional credit, you may compare the chosen Tribe with colonial period European culture. 

Step 1: Summary of the general information overview about the peoples of each region - Southwest, Great Plains, Woodlands, Southeast, and Northwest. 50 points.

Step 2: 5 points  

Step 3: Poster presentation of chosen Tribe. Information 60pts, 3 pictures 30 pts, map 10 pts = 100 points total

Step 4 (optional): If you would like additional credit, you may compare the chosen Tribe with colonial period European culture. Depending on level of detail, up to 30 points.

Each Tribe held different customs and values so there was no one standard that could be applied across all of them in terms of understanding or treaties. Each tribe shaped a part of American history and U.S. history and they continue to have an impact. 

Resource webquest: https://www.createwebquest.com/native-americans-and-their-regions-webquest