This project is designed to be an introduction to these Native American cultures.  A more formal written 
report on one tribe could be the next step. 

Introduction
     Centuries before Columbus and other European explorers arrived in their New World, civilizations, 
with their own cultures and people, developed, thrived and deteriorated.  Their success depended upon 
the sensible use of the land they lived with, knowledge given from one generation to the next and the 
systems that evolved for governing groups living together.

Subject : United States History and Geography
Topic:  pre-Columbian settlements
Grade Level:  5

Standards Addressed

Fifth  Grade
Social Studies
pre-Columbian cultures

5.1  Students describe the major pre-Columbian settlements, including the cliff dwellers and pueblo people of the desert Southwest, the American Indians of the Pacific Northwest, the nomadic nations of the Great Plains, and the woodland peoples east of the Mississippi River.

     1.  Describe how geography and climate influenced the way various nations lived and adjusted to the natural environment, including locations of villages, the distinct structures that they built, and how they obtained food, clothing, tools, and utensils.

1. Students will be introduced to the 6 culture areas of the Native Americans 
2. Students will read at least one legend from one Native American culture.
3. After studying a map of pre-Columbian North America, students will recognize that there were                    different culture areas within the continent. 
4. Students will know that there were many groups within each culture area.  That these groups                 depended upon the same natural resources and used them in a similar way.
5. After researching one culture area, students will be able to describe the shelter type, clothing,                         food, climate and physical features of  that area.
6. Working in a group, students will record their research findings.
7. Students will transfer their edited information from their group chart  to a class chart. 
8. Students will present a 3 to 5 minute oral report  to the class exhibiting cooperation of group members.

Introductory Activities

         As a pre-test, students will write everything they know about the pre-Columbian Native American cultures in
the 6 areas of the outline map provided.   The seven subheadings to be researched will be given.

        Each student will choose and read one or more Native American legend.  One legend from each of the culture areas is offered.  More are available at the lore/legend site on the opening page.

        Students will visit a Native AmericanCultures site map to become familiar with the 6 culture areas. 

 Enabling Activities

     Using Internet sites provided, each group will research one culture area for information on shelter type,            climate, physical features of the land, food, tribe names,  clothing and interesting information.

     Students work in groups of 4/5 for each culture.  They will share the roles of scribe and keyboardist. 
A chart and poster will be created by each group.

     *Maps should be copied landscape and following the size instructions.

     *If all but the relevant areas of each map is darkened or cut away, the culture area is more obvious.

     *If you print the 'shelter' site information, use black.  The yellow print is very difficult to read.

 Culminating Activities

      Research gathered by groups will be entered onto a class chart made by you.  Use this chart and enlarge.  Information for each of the culture areas will then be available for comparison and for use during the oral reports.

      Each group will present a short (3 to 5 minute) oral report which should cover all 7 subjects and explain their poster.  All members should be expected to participate. 

      As a post-test students will write everything they know about the Native Americans who inhabited each  of the 6 areas before Columbus and other Europeans arrived on the continent.  Use the outline map provided as pre- and post-test (this time print it large, to hold all that new knowledge).
 

Grading rubrics

      Pre-and post-test comparison  The initial knowledge map and the culminating map are to be compared for new learning.

      Rubric  0 to 5  for cooperation, content, mechanics, poster design and oral presentation.

       Audience grade from 0 to 5 based upon cooperation and attention for the groups presenting.
    Choose one student to observe as one other student gives the oral report.