Introduction
Before the Pilgrims, the 13 Colonies, and the Declaration of Independence, this land was home to the American Indians. Our country was once the land that belonged to the Native Americans. They lived in all regions of what we know as the United States, however, the ways in which they lived varied from region to region.
It is important to know the history of our country and learn about how we came to be the country we are today. Using this webquest you have been given the ability to travel back in time and visit the various tribes that lived in the different regions of the United States.
How are Native American tribes different from each other and how did they adapt to and survive in their surroundings? At the end of our research, you will create a presentation of a chosen tribe to be presented to the class.
Task
You will create a group slideshow presentation on a specific region of the US and the Native people's that lived (live) there.
- You will work in a team of 5 historians.
- The regions to be studied are: NorthWest, Southwest, Great Plains, Southeast Woodlands, and Northeast Woodlands.
- Each historian in your group will become an expert in one research area.
The areas of research are:
Tribes and Geographical Features
Food and Hunting
Shelter and Transportation
Cothing and Technology
Customs and Traditions
- Using no more than 15 slides as a group, you will present the information on your region and the tribes within the region. More slides does not mean better presentation. You will be speaking about the information as well. You will be able to use notecards if needed.
- Pay close attention to any information that stands out! Not all tribes in every region had the same qualitites. You get to be the expert, teach the class a thing or two!
Process
Step 1: Have each team member choose one of the following areas to become an expert on in your region:
- Tribes and geographical features expert
- Food and hunting expert
- Shelter and transportation expert
- Clothing and technology expert
- Customs and traditions expert
Step 2: TAKE NOTES USING THE TEMPLATES PROVIDED. YOU CAN COPY THE TEMPLATE AND PASTE IT INTO MICROSOFT WORD. Use the links provided on the website and in class to help you research. You must use your social studies book, and try to find a helpful book in the library. DO NOT GET TOO MANY RESOURCES. Put your research into notes that you handwrite, or into the graphic organizer provided.
Step 3: You will be working independently while doing the research portion. Each team member should have his or her own computer and notes. You will turn in your notes seperately. You will be able to meet as a whole group 3-5 times before creating the presentation.
Step 4: When everyone on your team has completed their research, you will meet as a group to begin organizing and creating your project.
Step 5: Each team member is responsible for completing their expert area on the project.You will work in Google Slides to create the presentation togther. You will present your artifacts, and take pictures of them and put them into your slide show.
Step 6: As a team, you will be presenting the information on Native Americans in your region. After each team member has completed their portion of the project and their artifact, you will be presenting in front of class.
**In addition to your presentation, for homework each historian will create an artifact. This might be a totem pole, clothing, symbol story, shelter, jewelry, artwork, or anything else that relates to your tribe. You must be prepared to explain the importance of the artifact and how it relates to your tribe. Be creative!! Be sure to talk with your team members to make sure no two people are doing the same type of artifact.
Evaluation
Group assessment and teacher assessment coming.