Uncovering American Indian Cultures: What Do You See in This Photo?
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This learning activity provided by:
Author:
Elizabeth Hester
System: Vestavia Hills City School: Vestavia Hills City Board Of Education
General Activity Information
Activity ID:
2991
Title: Uncovering American Indian Cultures: What Do You See in This Photo?
Digital Tool/Resource: Britannica School Elementary - A Portrait of a Flathead Man
Web Address – URL:
Overview: Students will look at a picture titled "Portrait of a Flathead Man." They will answer the question, "How does this picture help you understand anything about Native American culture?" This activity will activate students' prior knowledge about American Indians in North America.
This learning activity was created as a result of the ALEX - Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) Resource Development Summit.
Associated Standards and Objectives
Content Standard(s):
Social Studies 3 ) Distinguish differences among major American Indian cultures in North America according to geographic region, natural resources, community organization, economy, and belief systems.
• Locating on a map American Indian nations according to geographic region
Unpacked Content
Strand: Economics, Geography, History, Civics and Government
Course Title: United States Studies: Beginnings to the Industrial Revolution
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
Describe major American Indian cultures in North America according to:
geographic region
natural resources
community organization
economy
belief systems Locate American Indian nations on a map according to geographic region. Teacher Vocabulary:
belief system
community organization
distinguish
economy Knowledge:
Students know:
The description of major American Indian cultures including geographic regions, the use of natural resources, community organization, economy and belief systems and locate these nations on a map. Skills:
Students are able to:
Locate major American Indian nations on a map.
Distinguish American Indian cultural groups by examining the geographic region, natural resources, community organization, economy, and belief systems. Understanding:
Students understand that:
The major American Indian cultures can be distinguished from one another based on geographic region, natural resources, community organization, economy, and belief systems. Alabama Archives Resources:
Click below to access all Alabama Archives resources aligned to this standard.
Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards
AAS Standard:
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to explain what they already know about American Indian cultures using the photo entitled "Portrait of A Flathead Man" as a visual prompt.
Students will gather and share information about American Indian cultures.
Strategies, Preparations and Variations
Phase: Before/Engage
Activity: 1. Navigate to The Alabama Virtual Library. Click on Britannica School Elementary and search "Portrait of A Flathead Man ". Click on "Images" and the first image is "Portrait of A Flathead Man".
2. Ask the students what they see in the photo that reminds them of things they have learned in the past about American Indian cultures.
3. Instruct students on how to join the digital sticky notepad (see Advanced Preparation for additional details). This can also be done with chart paper and sticky notes if digital devices are unavailable.
4. Using the photo of "Portrait of A Flathead Man" as a prompt, direct students to post something they know about American Indian culture on the digital sticky notepad.
5. All of the students will be able to see what other students have responded. Students should review their classmates' responses.
6. The teacher will lead a class discussion asking the students to share new or surprising things they have learned.
Assessment Strategies: 1. The teacher will ask by a show of hands whether anyone learned anything new.
2. The teachers will observe students to ensure that all students post on the digital sticky notepad. Each student should respond with at least one thing they know about American Indian culture, either by looking at the digital image or their background knowledge.
Advanced Preparation: Duration: 0 - 15 minutes
Materials:
1. Interactive whiteboard or projector and computer to display online image.
2. Access to the internet and online Alabama Virtual Library.
3. Digital device for each student.
4. Navigate to The Alabama Virtual Library. Click on Britannica School Elementary and search "Portrait of A Flathead Man ". Click on "Images" and the first image is "Portrait of A Flathead Man".
5. Suggested digital sticky notepads: Jamboard or Padlet.
Teacher Preparation:
First, t he teacher will need a screen to project an image . Then the teacher will navigate to Alabama Virtual Library . Click on Britannica School Elementary; search "Portrait of a Flathead Man "; click on "Images". Click the first image entitled "Portrait of a Flathead Man". The teacher will need to decide on which digital sticky notepad to use, such as Padlet or Jamboard for student responses.
Student Preparation:
The students will not need any background knowledge with the exception that American Indians lived in North America before Europeans did. They will need a device to get online.
Variation Tips (optional): Acceleration:
Students can search for articles on American Indians to read in the elementary section of Britannica School in the AVL.
Intervention:
Students that need intervention can be asked to draw a picture of what they know about American Indian cultures.
Notes or Recommendations (optional): This activity is followed by "Beyond Stereotypes: A Journey Into American Indian Culture and Heritage" and "Sharing Native American Knowledge".
Keywords and Search Tags
Keywords and Search Tags:
distinguishing differences, major American Indian cultures, Native Americans
