Comparing and Contrasting American Indian Cultures

April 14, 2015

CONCEPTS TO BE COVERED
1. American Indians developed distinct cultures based on their
environment.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
UNDERSTAND
U1. American Indians
developed a distinct
culture based on their
environment.

KNOW

DO

K1. Southwest Indians

(Pueblo):
Location:
Southwestern region
of the United States
Climate: Hot days &
cold nights
Land: High flatlands
Shelter: Adobe &
multi-story terraced
buildings
Occupations: Farmers,
potters, and basket
weavers
Transportation:
Walking
K2. Eastern Woodland
Indians (Powahatan):
Location:
Northeastern part of
the United States
Climate: Mild winter &
hot summers
Land: Rivers, hills,
mountains, and
coastland
Shelter: Wigwams and
longhouses
Occupations: Hunters,
fishermen, gathers,
and farmers
Transportation:
Walking & canoes

D1. Compare and

contrast American
Indian cultures.

K3. Plains Indians

(Lakota):
Location: Central
region of the United
States

D2. Identify the

location of the
Southwest, Eastern
Woodland, and Plains
Indians.

STANDARDS OF LEARNING
Social Studies 3.3b
the
the

Climate: Harsh
winters & hot
summers
Land: Plains, prairies,
rolling hills
Shelter: Teepees
Occupations: Hunters,
horsemen, warriors
Transportation:
Walking & horses

The student will study the explorations of

Americas byidentifying the impact of
travels on American Indians.

MATERIALS
Computer
Projector
PowerPoint
Pencils
Glue
Blank map handout
5 sheets of large bulletin board paper
Social Studies journals
Exit ticket
PROCEDURE
I. Introduction
a. Briefly review the previous days lesson on the Southwest
American Indians.
b. Explain to students that today we will review the cultures of
the Eastern Woodlands, Plains, and Southwest American
Indians. In addition, we will begin to explore how these
cultures are similar and how they are different.
II.
Implementation
a. Pass out the map outline handout. Ask students to outline the
three sections of the map. The Eastern Woodlands will be
outlined in green, the Plains will be outlined in blue, and the
Southwest will be outlined in orange. Label each region.
Students will glue the map into their social studies journals.
b. Begin the PowerPoint. During the presentation, ask students
to compare and contrast the environment of each group.
Discuss how each groups environment influenced their way of
life.
2

III.

At the end of the PowerPoint, ask students to share

something that they learned with a shoulder partner.
c. Introduce the activity. Tell students that each table group will
be given a large sheet of paper. On the paper will be drawn
three large circles, with the headings: Powhatan, Lakota, and
Pueblo. Two people will work on each circle at one time.
Using their resources, students will work together to fill in
information about each American Indian group. After two
minutes, students will switch to a new circle and a new
American Indian group.
When completed, ask students to discuss the similarities
and differences they notice between the three groups.
Students may highlight or underline the commonalities.
Closure
a. On the board, display a Venn diagram with three circles.
Explain that on Wednesday, we will fill in the diagram with the
information from todays activity.
b. Provide students with a short exit ticket.

MODIFICATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Students will work with a partner. I have pre-selected partners for
students with special needs.
Students will have access to their social studies journals to
complete the activities.
Students with special needs will be provided with pictures that
correlate to the different American Indian groups. Students may
choose to paste these pictures onto the correct circle instead of
writing the information.