Native American Research Project

There are many different aspects that made up early Native American culture. From
the food they ate, to the forms of recreation they participated in, to the natural
resources they used as a part of their daily lives. Though there are some similarities
across the different Native American groups, there are also aspects of each groups
culture that sets them apart.

The Task:
In your small group, you will be responsible for 2-3 different culture strands. Each
small group will be given a specific Native American group to research. It is your job
to learn about the specific aspects of your Native American groups culture. You will
then be paired up with another small group, and together you will combine your
research to create a presentation about your Native American group.
The Process:
1. Fill out the Group Expectations sheet with your small group.
2. Each small group will get a folder filled with a resource list and resource
materials.
3. Use the resources (handouts, books, websites) to research the specific strands
of culture for your Native American group. Record any information you find
useful on an Info Tracker sheet. You must fill out an Info Tracker sheet
for any information you think is important!
4. Once you have researched how your culture strands affect the way of life of
that Native American group, you will pair up with the other small group
researching the same group. Together, you will create a presentation that
explains how the specific culture strands of that Native American group come
together to make up that Native American groups way of life. You can present
your information using:
a. Powerpoint
b. Posterboard
c. Oral Presentation
If you would like to present your information using a different method, you must
OK it with Ms. Riesselman first.
Cultural Artifact:
To show your understanding, each group will be required to create one artifact along
with their presentation. This artifact must have some significance to your Native
American group, and must be related to one of the culture strands that you
researched. All materials will be provided to work on your artifacts during class time.
Each group must OK their artifact idea with Ms. Riesselman.

Group Expectations
Group Members: __________________________

______________________________

__________________________

______________________________

Culture Strands: ___________________________

______________________________

___________________________

______________________________

___________________________

______________________________

Native American Group: ______________________________________________________

Where will your group work (desk, floor, table, etc.)? _______________________________
What will each group member be responsible for (reading, recording information,
creating presentations/artifacts)?
Member
_______________________________

Responsibility
___________________________________

_______________________________

___________________________________

_______________________________

___________________________________

_______________________________

___________________________________

_______________________________

___________________________________

I understand that I am required to be a positive contributor to my group. If I choose to

not contribute positively when working in my group, I will be required to complete
this project on my own. If I am having a hard time working with my group, I will come
to Ms. R before I do anything else, to see if we can find a solution to the problem.
Group Member Signatures _________________________

________________________

_________________________

________________________

_________________________

_________________________

Rubric
Group Members:

Native American Group:

Culture Strands:

Student

Teacher

1. Each culture strand is identified and explained

_____/20

_____/20
2. Each member fulfills their responsibility

_____/10

_____/10
3. Information is accurate
_____/20
_____/20
4. Presentation is organized and engaging
_____/20
5. Artifact is explained correctly and neatly completed
_____/10
6. Correct resources are used
a. 1+ website
______/5
b. 2+ books
______/5
c. Textbook
______/5
7. Project is completed on time
______/5

_____/20
_____/10

_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5

Total Points:
______/100
Comments:

______/100