1. Great Beginnings The Native American Experience Tamara Gray, Courtney Norgrin and Daniel Kilpatrick

2. Summary Children will study and learn about
This unit was created for Second grade students to teach them about the
We will be integrating Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math, and the arts throughout the unit by focusing on the

3. Major Concepts Math Social Studies Language Arts Science
Linear Measurement
Measures of Volume
Unit Conversions
Patterns
Social Studies
Cardinal & Intermediate Directions
Limited Environmental Resources
Native American Cultures & Practices
Meeting Basic Needs for Survival
Language Arts
Pre-Writing, Editing, Presenting
Authors Theme & Development
Reading Authentic Literature
Elements of Myths & Legends
Science
Land Formations
Soil Samples
Basic Needs for Survival
Seasonal Weather Patterns

4. Great Basin Great Plains South West Pattern Beaded Necklace
Northeastern Woodlands
Culture Chart & Tribal Mask
Iroquois Farming
Dream Cather Measurement
Ojibwe vs. Lakota Dream Catcher Tales
Pacific Northwest
Culture Chart & Totem Ploe
Geographic Collages
Drum Pattern
Taino Myth
Great Basin
Culture Chart & Pow Wow Drum
Soil Identification
Karuk Tale
Southeastern Woodlands
Culture Chart & Pinch Pot
Cherokee Hunting & Weapons
Pattern Beaded Necklace
Cherokee Legend
South West
Culture Chart & Paint Pinch Pot
Canyon Formation
Mat Weaving Pattern
Wasco Myth
Great Plains
Culture Chart & Headdress
Buffalo resources & conservation
Teepee Measurement
Blackfoot Myth

5. Learning Goals

6. Student Learning Outcomes Social Studies
Given a segmented map of the united states, a compass rose, and a list of regions; students will independently identify & label all six geographic regions of the united states with 100% accuracy. (NE Woodlands, SE Woodlands, Great Plains, South West, Great Basin, NW Pacific) – Knowledge: (SS.2.G.1.1)
After discussing the climate of each geographic region, students will give examples of plants and animals that the Native Americans were likely to use as a food source and predict how these might change throughout the different seasons. – Comprehension: (SS.2.E.1.1)
As the teacher presents information on the interactive whiteboard, students will chart details about Native American tribe’s clothing, housing, food sources, and forms of transportation in each of the six geographic sections of the United States with 84% accuracy or 20/24. – Application: (SS.2.A.2.2)
Given photographs of six different typical Native American dwellings, students will first recognize specific natural materials which make up each kind of shelter. Then based on this information the students will work cooperatively in small groups to classify each dwelling as belonging to the inhabitants of one of the six geographic regions of the United States. – Analysis: (SS.2.A.2.2) & (SS.2.E.1.1)
Given pictures and appropriate materials, small cooperative work groups will design & construct an accurate model of a Native American shelter from one of the six geographic regions of the United States. (Hogan, Teepee, Cedar Plank House, Pueblo, Chickee, Longhouse, or Wickiup) within reasonable approximations. – Synthesis: (SS.2.A.2.2)

7. Student Learning Outcomes Language Arts
After reading and discussing several Native American myths and legends as a class, the student will list common characteristics of Native American myths and legends, with the assistance of his cooperative learning group with 80% accuracy or 4/5 correct characteristics. Characteristics Include: Set in the past; moral to be learned; narrative format; explains creation or origin; speaking parts for spirits or animals. (reasonable approximations will be accepted) – Knowledge: (LA & LA )
After reading and discussing several Native American myths and legends as a class, the student will use their class notes (chart) to independently classify eight pieces of Native American Literature as Origin Mythology or a Moral Legend based on their knowledge of how they are alike and different, with 87% accuracy or 7/8 correct classifications. – Comprehension: (LA )
After reading and discussing each (8) Native American myth or legend as a class, the student will chart the characteristics (5) present in each piece of Native American Literature, with the support of his cooperative learning group with 88% accuracy (35/40 characteristics correctly charted). – Application: (LA )
The student will use the content of his own myth or legend and a poster rubric to illustrate his story in the form of a poster with 90% accuracy. – Analysis: (LA )
After reading and discussing several Native American myths and legends as a class, the student will independently compose his own original legend or myth which incorporates the 5 key characteristics of Native American Origin Mythology and Moral Legends with 80% accuracy. (4/5 characteristics present) – Synthesis: (LA )
The student, with the assistance of a teacher created rubric, will evaluate the legend of a peer, based on the inclusion of 5 known characteristics with 100% accuracy. – Evaluation: (LA )

8. Student Learning Outcomes Mathematics
Patterns- Plan and write about pattern used to create woven mat. Students will apply pattern ideas from their paper to create a patterned woven mat with the pattern with a 90% accuracy rate. (MA.2.A.4.3)
Patterns- Plan and write about pattern used to create pasta necklace. Students will apply pattern ideas from their paper to create a patterned pasta necklace with a 90% accuracy rate. (MA.2.A.4.3)
Numeric Patterns-Composing a tribal rhythm to be played on the powwow drum- Students will compose a tribal rhyme by referencing to numeric pattern chart on the drum for 1 minute. (MA.2.A.4.3)
Fractions, Multiples, Measurement - Double recipe to cook Native American Food for Culminating Feast- Students will measure out ingredients using cooking instructions and conversation sheet to produce a Native American food. (MA.2.G.5.1)
Tee-pee Construction – Students will measure straws using a ruler to create a tee-pee with 100% accuracy. (MA.1.A.1.3)
Dream Catcher – Students will measure string using a ruler to create a dream catcher with 100% accuracy. (MA.1.A.1.3)

9. Student Learning Outcomes Science
When presented with soil samples characteristic of those found in various geographical regions inhabited by Native American tribes, the student will classify the soil types based on color, texture (size of particles), the ability to retain water, and the ability to support growth of plants. Given a visual guide to reference, the student will accomplish this with 100% accuracy. - Comprehension: (SC.2.E.6.3)
After learning about the means (e.g. folklore) by which Native Americans explained natural phenomena, the student, as a member of a small group, will choose a natural phenomenon (e.g. rain, wind, rainbows, tornadoes, lightning, thunder, drought) to research. The student will work with group members to develop an explanation for this phenomenon and present this explanation to classmates. Based on direct observation and teacher-created checklist, the student will contribute to the development of this explanation during 80% of group activities. - Synthesis: (SC.2.N.1.1)
After learning about festivals and ceremonies held by Native Americans from different geographical regions and the folklore used by these tribes to describe cyclical patterns in nature (e.g. sunset/sunrise, seasons), the student will describe these patterns with 100% accuracy.-Knowledge: (SC.2.E.7.1)
While learning about Native American's reliance on and respect for nature and its inhabitants, students will, with 80% accuracy, compare the needs of Native Americans (humans) and the plants and animals in their environments. -Analysis: (SC.2.L.17.1)
Students will, with 80% accuracy, identify different Native American tribe's shelters and describe how these shelters were adaptations to the climates and geographical regions in which they lived. -Comprehension: (SC.2.L.17.2)
Students will, with 80% accuracy, identify the means by which different Native American tribes fed themselves (e.g. hunting, fishing, agriculture) and describe how these means were developed as adaptations to different environments. - Comprehension: (SC.2.L.17.2)

10. Sunshine State Standards Social Studies
SS.2.A.2.1 -Recognize that Native Americans were the first inhabitants in North America.
SS.2.A.2.Pa.a -Recognize a characteristic of early Native Americans.
SS.2.A.2.2 -Compare the cultures of Native American tribes from various geographic regions of the United States
SS.2.A.2.In.b -Identify practices of Native American tribes, such as clothing, housing, and food.
SS.2.E.1.1- Recognize that people make choices because of limited resources.
SS.2.G.1.1 -Use different types of maps (political, physical, and thematic) to identify map elements. (Examples: coordinate grids, title, compass rose, cardinal and intermediate directions, key/legend with symbols and scale)

11. Sunshine State Standards Language Arts
LA The student will use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly.
LA The student will listen to, read, and discuss familiar and conceptually challenging text.
LA The student will identify cause-and-effect relationships in text.
LA The student will identify the basic characteristics of a variety of literary forms (e.g., fables, stories, fiction, poetry, folktales, legends) and how they are alike and different.
LA The student will prewrite by generating ideas from multiple sources (e.g., text, brainstorming, webbing, drawing, writer's notebook, group discussion, other activities)
LA The student will draft writing by organizing details into a logical sequence that has a clear beginning, middle and end and an awareness of audience.
LA The student will revise by creating interest by incorporating descriptive words and supporting details, such as sensory language.
LA The student will revise by evaluating the composition, with the assistance of teacher, peer, checklist, or rubric.
LA The student will produce, illustrate, and share a variety of compositions.

12. Sunshine State Standards Mathematics
SS.K.A.2.1-Compare children and families of today with those in the past.
SS.K.A.3.1-Use words and phrases related to chronology and time to explain how things change and to sequentially order events that have occurred in school.
S.K.E.1.1-Describe different kinds of jobs that people do and the tools or equipment used.
SS.K.E.1.3-Recognize that people work to earn money to buy things they need or want.
SS.K.E.1.4-Identify the difference between basic needs and wants.
SS.K.G.1.1-Describe the relative location of people, places, and things by using positional words.
SS.K.G.1.2-Explain that maps and globes help to locate different places and that globes are a model of the Earth.
SS.K.G.1.3-Identify cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
SS.K.G.2.1-Locate and describe places in the school and community.
SS.K.G.3.3-Describe and give examples of seasonal weather changes, and illustrate how weather affects people and the environment.

13. Sunshine State Standards Science
SC.2.L Compare and contrast the basic needs that all living things, including humans, have for survival.
SC.2.L Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.
SC.2.E Compare and describe changing patterns in nature that repeat themselves, such as weather conditions including temperature and precipitation, day to day and season to season.
SC.2.N Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them in teams through free exploration and systematic observations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.
SC.2.E Investigate by observing and measuring, that the Sun's energy directly and indirectly warms the water, land, and air.
SC.2.E Classify soil types based on color, texture (size of particles), the ability to retain water, and the ability to support growth of plants.

14. Daily Schedule
8:00-8:20 Announcements, Pledge, National Anthem & Lunch Selection
8:20-9:50 Mathematics (90 minute block)
9:50-9:55 Rest Room Break
9:55-10:50 Specials
10:50-11:50 Language Arts (60 minute block)
11:50-11:55 Rest Room Break
11:55-12:20 Lunch
12:20-12:50 Language Arts (30 minute block)
12:50-1:10 Brain Break (recess)
1:10-1:15 Rest Room Break
1:15-1:45 Social Studies
1:45-2:15 Science
2:15-2:30 Announcements & Pack-Up
2:30 Dismissal

15. Weekly Schedule - 1 SUBJECT MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Language Arts
KWL Chart about Myths and legends
Define characteristics of Myths vs. Legends
How the Sea Began; A Taino Tale
Origins Myth about the Sea
Identify Myth Elements
Fire Race; A Karuk Tale
Moral legend of respect and appreciation for all living things small & large
Identify Legend Elements
Native American Play
Moral legend
The First Strawberries; A Cherokee Story
Moral legend of friendship and respect
Social Studies
Use Compasses to determine locations of special rooms in the school. Use Mnemonic devise for compass rose.
4 corners (N,E,S&W) game
Direct instruction on Cardinal Directions & Animals on the farm game
Introduce & Practice Intermediate Directions.
Label 6 Geographic Regions on a map of North America
Examine Native American artifacts and make predictions about regional origins
& about natural food sources
Tribes of the Southeastern Woodlands
Make a Pinch Pot
Mathematics
Introduction of measurement tools- gallons, quarts, pints, and cups. Whole group activity using water and measuring tools
Guided practice activity with measurement tools
Independent practice with measurement tools
Sand Painting measurement conversion activity
Beaded necklace pattern activity
Science
Importance of the sun and the energy it provides
(temperature activity)
Began evaporation experiment (predictions)
Complete evaporation experiment
Introduction to the water cycle
Seasonal climates of 6 geographic regions (emphasis on precipitation), regions’ variations in daily temperatures (e.g. desert vs. coastal),
Cherokee hunting techniques and weapon manufacturing
Tracking activity

16. Weekly Schedule - 2 SUBJECT MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Language Arts
How the Horses Came Into The World; A Blackfoot Tale
Origin myth about the introduction of horses to the plains
Identify Myth Elements
Two Legends of the Dream Catcher; Ojibwe vs. Lakota Tribes versions
(Fighting over the Great Lakes territory spread this tradition)
Complete Venn Diagram
Coyote Places the Stars; A Wasco Tale
Origin myth about the constellations and why coyotes howl
Complete graphic organizer to plan all elements of an original Myth or Legend
Chehaw Native American Festival
Field Trip
Social Studies
Tribes of the Great Plains Region
Native American Culture Chart
Make a feather head dress
Tribes of the Northeastern woodlands
Make a tribal mask
Tribes of the Southwest
Paint pinch pot
Tribes of the Great Basin
Make A Pow-Wow Drum
Mathematics
Short review of measuring with a ruler
Teepee Measurement Activity
Review of how to measure using a ruler
Dream catcher measurement activity
Review of patterns
Mat Weaving Pattern Activity
Science
Plains tribes reliance on the buffalo (use of all parts of the buffalo), emphasis on conservation and responsible use of resources
Iroquois farming, Needs of plants (water, sunlight, nutrients) as they relate to needs of humans and other animals
Erosion activity
Formation of canyons (cliff dwelling Anasazi)
Soil texture activity (identification of sand, silt, clay, and loam)

17. Weekly Schedule - 3 SUBJECT MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Language Arts
Use Graphic Organizer to write rough draft of original Myth or Legend
Include descriptive language
Review use of scoring rubric
Peer review of student’s original Myth or Legend
Edit for spelling, capitalization, and grammar
Final Draft of student’s original Myth or Legend
Illustration for student’s original Myth or Legend
Follow Poster Rubric
Culminating Activity:
Presentation of Original Myths and Legends
Watch Video
Social Studies
Tribes of the Pacific Northwest
Native American Culture Chart
Make Totem Pole
Classification of Native American Dwellings
Add Shelter Info. To Native American Culture Chart
Group construction of one type of Native American shelter
Complete Shelter Models
Then complete a circle map about the region where this shelter is used & its people
Model Shelters & Regional Circle Maps Displayed
Mathematics
Explain numeric pattern chart
Pow-Wow Drum Pattern Activity
Review measurement skills for cooking activities
Native American Foods Feast & use of patterned woven mats & necklaces
Science
Begin group collages of 6 geographic regions’ flora, wildlife, landmarks, characteristic terrain, etc.
Complete group collages (w/ additional materials brought from home)
Choose natural phenomena to research in small groups (trip to library and/or computer lab to begin research)
Present scientific explanations of natural phenomena to class
Supplemented by teacher
Display of geographic region collage & soil samples

18. Media List Books Overhead Projector Computers Internet Access
Pre-selected Websites
Videos
Computer Video Clips
DVDs

19. Lesson Plan Overview Social Studies
Week one-Instruction commences with a focus on map skills in an effort to develop prerequisite skills the students will need to apply, while investigating the different geographical areas of North America. The inquiry then begins by making informed predictions about the origins of several artifacts and possible food supplies for the inhabitants of different geographical areas.
Week two-Instruction systematically works its way across the country discussing and recording information about the cultures of Native American tribes on a “Culture Chart”. Each lesson also incorporates a tribe specific art for the children to actively experience and replicate. The week culminates with a field trip to the Chehaw Native American Festival, in which students will vicariously experience local Native American customs.
Week three-Instruction is student centered, as cooperative groups analyze photos of Native American dwellings and then classify them based on the materials used for construction. The shelter information will be added to the “Culture Chart” and then groups will select a geographic region to specialize in. The group will create a circle map about their region and build a model of one type of Native American shelter used in that region. The week will end with the culminating activity day!

20. Lesson Plan Overview Language Arts
Week one-Instruction commences with the completion of each cooperative learning groups K-W-L chart about Myths and Legends. As a class we will define characteristics of both literary forms and complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting them. This information will then be applied to daily lessons as each day the class reads authentic Native American tales from specific tribes. Then in “Literature Circles,” students will identify characteristics of the tales and then categorize the daily literature selection as either a Myth or a Legend. The author’s theme and development as well as cause and effect relationships within the tales will be discussed. Students will be required to identify descriptive language and new vocabulary words.
Week two-Continues the investigation and analysis of Native American tales for three more days. The class is then presented with a rubric and a graphic organizer for creating an original myth or legend. Students will then complete the pre-writing activity as they brainstorm ideas and record them in a web.
Week three-Instruction focuses on all stages of the writing process. Students write a draft from the web completed during week two. The draft is then edited to include descriptive words and sensory language. A peer review is conducted using the rubric. The teacher corrects spelling errors. A final draft is written and then the student draws an illustration for the original composition. Student presentations will be part of the culminating activity.

21. Lesson Plan Overview Math
Week One-
Week Two-
Week Three-

22. Lesson Plan Overview Science
Week One-
Week Two-
Week Three-

23. Assessments Social Studies Language Arts
Explore Native American artifacts and predict which region each is from
Identify and label geographic regions on a blank map
Food source predictions
Native American Culture Chart
Classification of Native American Dwellings
Construction of Native American Dwelling Model
Language Arts
Class K-W-L Chart about myths and legends
Characteristics of Myths & Legends Group List
Independent Classification of Literature as Myth or Legend
Group chart of specific myths & legends characteristic
Independent Illustration of original myth or legend
Independent composition of original myth or legend
Independent use of rubric to complete peer review of original myth or legend

24. Assessments Mathematics Science Conversation worksheet
Teacher observation of student using patterns on drum
Checklist of class participation in graphing activity
Independent writing plans for pattern design for woven mat and past necklace
Teacher observation of the final result of woven mat and pasta necklace
Teacher will use a checklist and observe student making their tee-pee
Teacher will use a checklist and observe student making their dream-catchers
Science
Calendar of Iroquois festivals/ceremonies and corresponding seasonal changes
Soil classification and identification of corresponding geographic region and trib.
Checklist of group participation in developing explanation for natural phenomenon

25. Culminating Activity
On the final day of the ITU, students will gather together to share

26. Student Work Samples

27. Student Work Samples

28. Student Literature References
Bruchac, J. (1993). The First Strawberries. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Crespo, G. (1993). How the Sea Began. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Dearborn, Lyn, & Ritchie, Mary (n.d.) Legend Ojibwe Dream Catcher. Retrieved from
Dream Catchers Incorporated (n.d.) The Legend of the Dream Catcher. Retrieved from
London, J. (1993). Fire Race; A Karuk Coyote Tale. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
Taylor, C.J. (1993). How Horses Came Into the World. In How We Saw the World; Nine Native stories of the way things began. Montreal, Quebec: Tundra Books.
Taylor, H.P. (1993). Coyote Places the Stars. New York, NY: Bradbury Press.

29. Website References

30. Planning Resources
Martinello, M. L., & Cook, G.E. (2000). Interdisciplinary Inquiry in Teaching and Learning (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Roberts, P.L., & Kellough, R.D. (2008). A Guide for Developing Interdisciplinary Thematic Units (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.
Jacobs, H.H. Interdisciplinary Learning in Your Classroom: From Concept to Classroom. Retrieved from: