Pre-historic Native Americans--A Web Quest
 


 
 


 
 

Introduction

    Many years ago, long before Columbus discovered America, a group of people inhabited this land. As the environment changed, the inhabitants did too.
     Paleo-Indians: The first inhabitants. They lived in a very different North America than we see today. Large ice sheets covered much of the world's northern latitudes.
    Archaics: The retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet at about 10,000 years ago signaled the onset of warmer climate in the Midwest. Over many generations, humans adapted to the changing climate and shifts in the natural environment by changing their culture: hunting and gathering strategies, foods, tools, society, settlement, and ritual.
   Woodlands:  Old river channels, and large backwater lakes abandoned at the end of the Ice Age now formed a mosaic of wetlands, shallow lakes, and slow moving streams. Again, the people adapted to environmental changes.
   Mississippians: The mound builders lived in an environment rich in diversity and biological productivity. Fertile soil rejuvenated by annual flooding supported an abundance of wild plants.

What would life be like as a Pre-historic Native American? What food would you eat? What type of home would you have?
 
 

Woodland Art

Mound Builders

    Tasks

1.  Write a story about a day in the life of a Pre-historic Native American.

2.  Draw symbols on a clay pot representing the culture of your chosen Pre-historic Native American group.

Process

1. Choose one of the Pre-historic Native American groups to research.

2. Keep journal notes providing this information:
            a) Description of shelter
            b) Description of food eaten and/or hunted
            c) Description of weapons, tools, and utensils
            d) Description of transportation
            e) Additional information that you found interesting

3. Write an interesting and informative story about a typical day as a member of the group you chose. Include all the information from the journal entry.

4.  You are now ready to draw symbols representing your group on a clay pot. No words may be written on the pot.
The drawings must include the following:
            a) Shelter (if any)
            b) Weapons
            c) Food
            d) Animals Hunted (if any)

Evaluation



 

Task
Beginning
(1 pt.)
Developing
(2 pts.)
Accomplished
(3 pts.)
Exemplary
(4 pts.)
Story The story had little information included in the journal. The story had at least three descriptions from the journal. The story had at least four descriptions from the journal. The story contained all of the descriptions from the journal.
Clay Pot The clay pot had only one symbol of the chosen group. The clay pot had at least three symbols of the chosen group. The clay pot had at least five symbols of the chosen group. The clay pot had more than five various symbols of the chosen group.

Conclusion

    In this activity, you have learned how Pre-Historic Native Americans adapted to changing environments. You have also learned how to locate and utilize information using the latest technology. You have created a written account of your findings and a clay pot art project. It is hoped that you have gained some understanding that change can create positive effects.