Objective: SWBAT recognize American Indian culture and origins.

Why did Spain, Portugal, and France search for new routes to the East? A. to compete for trade with Italy and the TurksB. to control the Mediterranean sea C. because they were the only ones who traded with the East D. because the old routes had caved in

1st

• Native Americans were the first people to live in the Americas.

Before Columbus

• Early Native Americans first came to the Americas over 10,000 years ago. They were living in the Americas 9,500 years before Columbus.

Hieroglyphics

• Native Americans in Mexico and Central America developed a form of hieroglyphic writing.

• Native Americans are famous for their totem poles, which were used to represent their culture and stories.

Check for Understanding

• Who were the first people to live in America?• What are Totem poles?• What language did American Indians develop?

Interview an expert on American Indians:

• Who were the first people living in the Americas?

• When did American Indians first arrive in the Americas?

• What form of writing did American Indians develop?

• What are totem poles used for?

Create your own totem pole:

• 1. Go to the Filing Cabinet. Click on “Common Totem Pole Figures”.

• 2. Read about what each figure represents. Choose 4-5 symbols that you think relate to you, your family, or your culture.

• 3. Copy and paste the images into Inspiration in the shape of a Totem Pole. Place one image on top of the other.

• 4. Using bubbles, explain why you chose each image and how it relates to you, your family, or your culture.

• Who were the Native Americans?• A. The European explorers who came to live in America• B. The first people to live in America• C. The slaves Europeans brought to America• D. European families who came to live in America

• What was the significance of Totem Poles?• A. They were artwork that often displayed Native American culture and stories• B. They were used as weapons against Europeans• C. They were used for trading• D. They were thought to be possessed by the Devil

Extra Credit

• Research one tribe of Native Americans. Create a Power Point that explains and illustrates their culture and history.

• Examples: Iroquoi, Inuit, Cherokee