Grade Level: 6-12 with adaptations for 3-5
Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts, Art
Duration: Part One: 20 minutes, Part Two: 25 minutes
Materials: Seven (for max. of 21 participants) tool replicas,
Technology worksheets, clipboards, pencils, raffia or natural fiber
Florida Sunshine State Standards: SS.A.1.1.1, SS.A.1.1.2, SS.A.2.1.1, SS.A.5.1.4, SS.A.6.2.2, SS.B.2.1.4, LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.2.2.1, LA.B.2.2.3, LA.C.1.1.1, LA.C.1.2.1, VA.B.1.1.1, VA.B.1.2.1, VA.B.1.1.4, VA.B.1.2.4, VA.E.1.1.1,
Overview: Working together in small teams, students will examine Native American tool replicas. The team members will study each tool and brainstorm its purpose, considering different ways it might have been used by the native people. They will inspect the tool to determine the materials used to create it. Students will complete a worksheet about their implement, answering critical thinking questions and creating an artistic representation of the tool’s use. Worksheets will be given to the teacher for further classroom study. During the second part of the activity, the teams of students will try their hand at making a reproduction of rope used by Native Americans.
Objectives: Students will work together, building cooperation and other teamwork skills, in order to complete this activity. They will investigate a replica object, using critical thinking skills to evaluate and determine its use and composition. Students will then get creative by illustrating their ideas. They will also utilize listening skills and practice following directions as they work together to create rope.
Background: At Emerson Point, we can see evidence of the area’s ancient inhabitants by examining the clues they left behind. From the giant Temple Mound to the scattered shell fragments we can conclude that this area was once a busy cultural center. The village at Emerson Point was drastically different than our own familiar way of life, however. The Native Americans did not have the comforts that we now take for granted; there was no electricity, running water, or even air conditioning! Nevertheless, the native people had a number of unique tools and techniques to help them survive for thousands of years. Tools were made from the materials most readily available to early peoples. Settlements were often located close to tool-making resources, helping to insure the success of the village. As time passed, tools were used for more tasks and became more and more complicated.
