Students are beginning an investigation by using the jigsaw approach to learn about Native
Americans and Their Cultural Regions. Each small group of 3-4 students is researching a group of
Native Americans from North America and will be presenting their findings to the class. Specifically,
they will be investigating the environment of a particular region and how the people used the natural
resources found in that region for practical and aesthetic purposes. Shelter, foods, tools and home
implements, transportation, clothing, and art are the topics they will explore. As part of this
investigation, students will begin by establishing questions worthy of research. These questions might
include:
How did the Native Americans of the Southwest build shelters long ago?
What kinds of tools did the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest use for hunting and fishing?
What kinds of transportation did these early people develop?
How did the natural environment and climate of the region influence the people's lives?
What customs did they practice? How were their beliefs revealed through their art?
This assignment integrates the social studies and language arts curriculum. You can view student
work in the hallway outside of the classroom in the weeks to come.