Students post images of Native Americans to begin examining the diversity of tribes. Then they learn about the many different types of homes built by the tribes. Next they examine the relationship between the Plains Indians and bison. Finally, they read an Apache legend and reflect on its message.
Students read an introduction explaining that Native Americans were the main inhabitants of North America before European arrival, view a map showing the general areas of many different tribes, and respond to a drawing/upload prompt by posting an image that they think represents American Indian tribes.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience focus on diversity among Native American tribes and review the lesson objective. After students post images, prompt them to examine one another’s contributions for similarities and differences and guide a discussion about how difficult it is to generalize about so many different tribes, using the dog-breed analogy to highlight both differences and shared traits.
Students examine an image of Pueblo homes in Taos, New Mexico, then read Native American Houses to learn about different types of Native American dwellings across regions. Using a graphic organizer, they list three house types and describe one advantage for each.
Teacher MovesReview the various house types from the article with the class and question students about factors that influenced these designs, emphasizing how climate, available materials, and whether a tribe was settled or nomadic shaped the homes they built.
Students study an image of Plains Indians hunting bison and read explanatory text about the Plains tribes’ spiritual connection to the buffalo and their practical use of every part of the animal. They then post a written response explaining what they think the Indians learned from watching the bison.
Teacher MovesHighlight the idea of a spiritual and emotional connection to the bison and how the animal supported many aspects of Plains life. Share strong student responses to spark discussion, and, if needed, scaffold by having students first think generally about how people can learn from animals, then connect this to what Plains Indians might have learned about climate, food and water sources, security, and group behavior from observing buffalo herds.
Students view an image of turquoise rocks and read about culture as expressed through stories, songs, art, food, and religion. They then read the Apache legend Child of Water & Little Blue Rock and post a response explaining what they think the message of the story is.
Teacher MovesProvide background on Child of Water as a hero figure in Apache mythology and on the cultural significance of turquoise as a healing stone. Invite students to make text-to-text and text-to-world connections by comparing this legend to other stories they know, such as the Biblical story of David and Goliath, and direct interested students to additional Native American legends in the student resources.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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