In this lesson plan, students will use the Handbook of Texas to research a Native American tribe of their choosing. They will choose five images of artifacts found on the TIDES website and then write a fictional composition from the point of view of a Native American child in the tribe they have researched. The lesson will conclude with the students breaking up into groups and recreating Native American villages in a diorama, which will then be displayed to the class as part of an oral presentation.

Created by Linda Huff, July 2006

The student is expected to:

read to be informed 4.(8)(C)

draw on experience to bring meaning to words 4.(9)(B)

draw inferences 4.(10)(G)

contrast ideas 4.(11)(D)

draw conclusions 4.(13)(G)

use compiled information to raise unanswered questions 4.(13)(H)

articulate connections that cross cultures 4.(14)(C)

inform and entertain 4.(15)(B,C)

use correct punctuation 4.(16)(B)

use correct spelling 4.(17)(A)

apply standard usage and grammar 4.(18)(A-H)

use the writing process 4.(19)(A-I)

use writing as a tool for learning and research 4.(21)(D)

select, organize, or produce visuals to complement and extend meanings 4.(25)(A)

TEKS §110.6. English Language Arts & Reading, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

locate primary sources to acquire information 4.(22)(A)

interpret maps 4.(22)(C)

create visual materials 4.(23)(D)

use problem solving to gather information 4.(24)(A)

TEKS §113.6. Social Studies, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving whole numbers 4.(3)(A)

round whole numbers to the nearest ten, hundred or thousand to approximate results in problem situations 4.(5)(A)

TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

collect information by observing and measuring 4.(2)(B)

construct simple charts to organize and evaluate information 4.(2)(E)

collect and analyze information using computers 4.(4)(A)

TEKS §112.6. Science, Grade 4.

Students choose a Native American tribe found in the Handbook of Texas Online; read the article and fill in the Fact Sheet using critical thinking skills.

Choose five of the Native American artifacts found in the thumbnail pictures; use them to create a fictional composition in which students are writing as a Native American child in the tribe researched above. Include each of the artifacts in the composition and make sure they are described in detail. Include information obtained from the Fact Sheet.

Using the Native American Map Sheet, recreate 2 maps showing where the Texas Tribes were in the 1600's and where they ended up by the time Texas became a state in the 1800's. Answer the questions that follow.

Using the Indian Population Map of 1846, answer the questions from the Native American Numbers and Math Fact Sheet.

Using the thumbnail artifacts of arrowheads and spearheads, have student describe these objects in words using at least 3 geometric terms. Have them record observations of how two of the objects compare with one another. Describe in words how these objects were designed for specific purposes and make a list of other artifacts which, though used tools, would not serve the same purpose. Make a simple chart and include each of the artifacts you have studied, and their measurement, and use as a simple tool.

Read about Native Americans from the sites listed. Make a diorama. Divide students in small groups and name each group as one of the Native tribes of Texas. Using small display boxes, have them recreate a Native American village. Include housing, tools, food/water sources, and an oral presentation to go with your diorama. The oral presentations should include some information about tribal customs and tribal government.