pre- columbian culture in north america an introduction to native american cultures ctap 295 power...
TRANSCRIPT
pre-Columbian Culture in North America
An Introduction to Native American cultures
CTAP 295
Power Point Presentation
Judy Leonesio5th grade
May 2001
Standards Addressed
5.1 Students describe the major pre-Columbian settlements, including the cliff dwellers and pueblo people of the desert southwest, the American Indians of the Pacific Northwest, the nomadic nations of the Great Plains, and the woodland peoples east of the Mississippi River.
1. Describe how geography and climate influenced the way various nations lived and adjusted to the natural environment, including locations of villages, the distinct structures that the built, and how they obtained food, clothing , tools and utensils.
Instructional ObjectivesActivities
Students will be introduced to the 6 culture areas of the Native Americans
Small groups of students will research each culture area
Each group will add their information to the class chart, develop a poster including a labeled diagram of the shelter type and give an oral report about their culture area
Lesson DescriptionTimeline
Introductory ActivitiesRead a Legend/Choose culture
Group Internet Research
Start group culture chart
Finish both charts and poster
Work on oral presentation
Oral presentation
1 day
3 days
1 day
1day
AssessmentsRubrics
Pre-test write everything known about cultures on map
Class chart
Poster
Oral report
Post-test as pre-test
Count
Cooperation
Content rubrics 0 to 5
Mechanics
Poster Design
Oral
Count
Overview of InternetIntegration
Native lore and legends web site
Two main sites to gather information
One is third grade reading level, the other is more challenging.
Each has links to many sites for additional information.
Other Technology IntegrationPower Point Presentation
Digital camera for recording projects
Lesson Plan Revisions
The initial plan was much too broad. I realized I had to choose only one section of a standard.
Directions were simplified and clarified.
Rubrics specific to this project were written.
Implementation
Students were excited and pleased to be able to spend time on the computer. They read directions independently. Their questions helped me with revisions.
We worked 4 forty minute blocks in our computer room.
A parent gave students time to complete any missing research on one additional day.
Working in groups of 4/5 students used 2 computers. Two using the keyboard and the others recording information, writing on the class chart or working on their poster.
Time squeezed out during the day was used to print the maps on the color printer in our classroom.
Student Performance
Everyone learned something.
“Reluctant writers” gave a good oral presentation.
Oral presentations showed an understanding of new vocabulary and shelter diagrams were labeled using correct terms.
All were engaged in the internet exploration.
Group Cooperation was evident in the sharing of responsibilities throughout this project.
Student Performance Data
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
pre-test
post-test
Group Performance Data
0 1 2 3 4 5
Group 1
Group2
Group3
Group4
Group5
Group 6
Mechanics
Poster Design
Cooperation
Content
Oral
I Learned
Web page construction What works in an internet lesson, the need for clear
and specific language in instructions Many of the things that don’t work in an internet
lesson If at first you don’t succeed, try another way. There is usually another way. Students respond to internet lessons with excitement
and readiness to learn.
SummaryObservations
I began this project because I was told it was too difficult and I should take the easy road. The work was intense and at times, frustrating, but I see students clamoring to learn, working together, sharing information and wanting access to knowledge. I suspect this was the way scholars were before school was mandatory and only a few people were able to read and write.
Knowledge in all areas is expanding so rapidly that we no longer ‘know the answer’ all of the time. Allowing students to research a subject area, or search for the answer to their question, is a logical and sensible response
in this exciting era.
Student Performance