Native American Tribes

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process |  Evaluation | 
Conclusion| Teacher's Page |  Hot List |  Credits

Introduction

Imagine that the year is 1770. The nation is changing. Natty Bompou from "The Last of The Mohicans" needs experts who can help him research a Native American Tribe. You are one of his experts, and you need to answer a series of questions for Mr. Bompou. Mr. Bompou has asked you to meet with him to discuss your knowledge and opinion about one of the Native American tribes. You must write an essay expressing your opinion about why your tribe is the most interesting Native American group. Some of the answers he needs to know are:

• What kind of food did your tribe use to eat?

• What kind of clothing did your tribe use to wear? 

• How did their houses look? 

• What kind of tools did your tribe use?

• Why do you think your tribe is interesting?

• Do you think you would like to be a member or this tribe? why or why not? 
  
  

The Task

As one of Mr. Bompou's experts, you are responsible to:

	work with another expert and share information
	research information about a Native American tribe
	answer questions on the handout
	create a visual presentation about your tribe (could be PowerPoint or poster)
	make presentation to class (explaining your tribe)
	write a multi-paragraph essay explaining to Mr. Bompou the kinds of food your tribe eats, the kinds of clothing your tribe wears, what their houses look like, what kind of tools your tribe used, why you think your tribe is the most interesting, and why you think you would like to be a member or this tribe? See ESOL Writing Rubric.

Resources

The internet is a great tool to learn about native Americans and their customs. You will need to read and decide on the information that is more relevant to your specific topic. 

You will need to use the Native American Hot List to research the needed information.

Use this electronic dictionary to learn and translate new words that you might come across with. 

Don't forget that there are other sources that you might want to use for this project such as: books, encyclopedias, and magazines available at the Media Center.
   

The Process

To complete the assignment you will work with another expert. Your team will be responsible for researching a Native American tribe (i.e. Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Apache, Blackfeet, or Seminole)  that will be given to you by your teacher. You can use the internet or other resources to accomplish this task. 

Next you will be required to learn four aspects of your tribe, and decide what information is appropriate for your specific topics. You will be required to present your topics to your classmates.

You will need to collect pictures and drawing for a visual presentation (PowePoint or poster) that you will use to illustrate your tribe and your topics. You will present as a team.

Finally write a multi-paragraph essay with the information that you researched and the answers from the handout. Each expert needs to write their own essay.

Steps to complete your project:

1. First you'll be assigned to a team.
2. Your team will decide what each member will research (food, clothing, shelter, and tools).
3. Your team will research a Native American tribe (Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Apache, Blackfeet, or Seminole).
4. You will make a PowerPoint presentation that explains the different categories.
5. You will write a multi-paragraph essay explaining your tribe to Mr. Bompou. This essay must include: the kinds of food your tribe eats, the kinds of clothing your tribe wears, what their houses look like, what kind of tools your tribe used, why you think your tribe is the most interesting, and why you think you would like to be a member or this tribe? See ESOL Writing Rubric.

Evaluation

This project will be graded in three different areas. 

1. A visual presentation (PowerPoint or poster) that you will make with the most important information. Rubric.

2. A multi-paragraph essay that you will need to submit two days after the last presentation. See ESOL Writing Rubric.

Conclusion

Being a native American Indian was not easy back them or now, but through this assignment I hope you learned to appreciate their culture and customs.  This project was developed with the purpose of introducing ESOL students to native Americans, their traditions, and way of life. 

This WebQuest has provided you with the opportunity to:

	form, express, and support your opinions
	present an informed opinion orally
	write a multi-paragraph essay