Web Quest

 Engaged Learning with Technology  (July 2003)

 

 

Native American Ways of Life                

 

 

 

Introduction     Task     Process     Resources     Conclusion     Evaluation    

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The year is 1520 and you are living with your family in what will someday be called the United States of America.  You have  a mother, father and many brothers and sisters.  Your grandparents live in the same tribe that you have grown up in.  Your region of the country is the _____________________.

Main Indian regions are:

Northwest Coast

Southwest

Eastern Woodlands

Great Plains

Middle America

(also referred to as California - Intermountain)

 

                      

 

 

TASK:

Your task is to educate us on every aspect of your life.  We want to know everything about you. 

What is your daily life like? 

What kind of a dwelling do you live in?  How is it built and what materials are used? 

What do you eat?  How do you get your food?   

What other resources are available to you? 

Do you have daily chores that you are responsible for?  What does your father do all day?  What does your mother spend her day doing?  How about other members of your family?

What do you do for fun or entertainment?  What games do you play?

What tribes are your nearest neighbors?  Are they friendly to you?

Have you ever seen European people or explorers?  If so, what was that encounter like?

 

                      

 

 

PROCESS

 

Your teacher will place you in a team of two or three members.  Each team will research a region of the United States.  You must approach the job as though you were a child living in 1520, in your assigned region of the country.  Knowing that the people of the region would have to use the resources available to them in that area, you will determine what their life would be like.  

Begin by reading this encyclopedia article taken from the Encarta Encyclopedia to get some background information for your assignment.  

Read this article.

  1. Determine who will play the role of CHIEF, MOTHER, and WARRIOR.
  2. Use books, articles, links or interview a Native American to gather more information. Remember you are looking for information that answers the project tasks about food, shelter, clothing, daily living, geographical location and traditions unique to your tribe.
  3. Ask yourselves why it is important that we pass on traditions from one generation to the next?
  4. Ask yourselves why is it important to be aware of differences that exist in customs?

 

After checking out many resources you will be ready to answer these questions.    Go here now.

 

                             

 

 

ON LINE RESOURCES

First American's Web Site                                                   

(be sure to explore this entire site, it is full of information)

A Game Played By Some Indians                              

Crafts for Kids  (Native American Crafts)

First Americans

Native American's of the Plains

People of the Northwest

People of the Southwest

Read a Story

Winnie Two Shadows is an on-line children's book. The main character is 6 years old and the story takes place in the traditional Old West. An excellent introduction to Native American culture for 4th grade and up.
 

A page of many sites that may be useful

Another page of sites for reference

 

                              

 

 

                              

EVALUATION  

A rubric will be used for each one to evaluate other members of your group.  Your teacher will evaluate your team according to the following: 

(20 points will be given for each area)

 This rubric will be used to evaluate your team as a cooperative group, this will be used by you to evaluate your team members.

Collaboration Rubric

 

 


Name __________________________________

 

 

   

Beginning
1

  

Developing
2

  

Accomplished
3

  

Exemplary
4

  

Score
 

Contribute

          
 

All team members participate in research and gathering information:

  

Does not collect any information that relates to the topic.

  

Collects very little information--some relates to the topic.

  

Collects some basic information--most relates to the topic.

  

Collects a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
 
 

Each team member shares information:

  

Does not relay any information to teammates.

 

Relays very little information--some relates to the topic.

  

Relays some basic information--most relates to the topic.

  

Relays a great deal of information--all relates to the topic.
 
 

Each student punctual:

  

Does not hand in any assignments.

  

Hands in most assignments late.

  

Hands in most assignments on time.

  

Hands in all assignments on time.
 
 

Take Responsibility

          
 

Each person in the team fulfills team role's duties:

  

Does not perform any duties of assigned team role.

  

Performs very little duties.

  

Performs nearly all duties.

  

Performs all duties of assigned team role.


 
 

Each member shares equally:

  

Always relys on others to do the work.

  

Rarely does the assigned work--often needs reminding.

  

Usually does the assigned work--rarely needs reminding.

  

Always does the assigned work without having to be reminded.
 
 

Value Others' Viewpoints

          
 

Listen to Other Teammates

  

Is always talking--never allows anyone else to speak.

  

Usually doing most of the talking--rarely allows others to speak.

  

Listens, but sometimes talks too much.

  

Listens and speaks a fair amount.
 
 

Cooperate with Teammates

  

Usually argues with teammates.

  

Sometimes argues.

  

Rarely argues.

  

Never argues with teammates.
 
 

Make Fair Decisions

  

Usually wants to have things their way.

  

Often sides with friends instead of considering all views.

  

Usually considers all views.

  

Always helps team to reach a fair decision.


 
         

Total
 

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

After you have finished, you will share your findings, be prepared for a celebration of your heritage! You will better understand the different regions of our country.  You will understand how different life is now from long ago and how it is still the same in many ways.  You will understand why it is important to accept other's traditions. You will understand why it is important to pass tradition from one generation to the next.  We will display your team's work in the hall as a learning center for others to see and learn from also.