Diorama of a Native American Home 

Thematic Unit: Native Americans

4th Grade

 

Essential Questions:

• Who were the first Americans?

• How do the physical surroundings of a region affect the way people live?

• How were Native American culture groups alike and different

 

Unit Overview: 

Students will read informational texts to become experts on Native American culture groups from different regions and times. Group work and hands-on activity centers will promote understanding of the artwork, music, and customs of Native Americans tribes and how the climate, location, and physical surroundings affected each group’s way of life.

 

Objectives:

 

* Students will recognize in a United States map the region in which their Native American tribe lived.

* Students will illustrate and write about the various ways in which groups used natural resources in the environment to meet their       basic needs.

* Students will identify cultural traits and values that are inherited and acquired (i.e. family, religious, cultural traditions, and physical     characteristics).

 

Corresponding CCCS:

 

Visual and Performing Arts

 

1.1 The Creative Process  All students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles that govern the creation of works of art in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.

 

1.2 History of the Arts and Culture  All students will understand the role, development, and influence of the arts throughout history and across cultures.

 

1.2.5.A.1 Recognize works of dance, music, theatre, and visual art as a reflection of societal values and beliefs.     

1.2.5.A.2  Relate common artistic elements that define distinctive art genres in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.   

1.2.5.A.3  Determine the impact of significant contributions of individual artists in dance, music, theatre, and visual art from diverse cultures throughout history.

 

1.3 Performance  All students will synthesize those skills, media, methods, and technologies appropriate to creating, performing, and/or presenting works of art in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.  

 

1.3.5.D.1 Work individually and collaboratively to create two- and three-dimensional works of art that make cohesive visual statements and that employ the elements of art and principles of design.

 

1.3.5.D.5  Collaborate in the creation of works of art using multiple art media and art mediums, and present the completed works in exhibition areas inside and outside the classroom.

 

Language Arts Literacy

Reading Literature

Rl.4.1; RL.4.2; RL.4.3; RL.4.4; R.L.4.5; RL.4.6; RL.4.7; RL.4.9

Reading Informational Text

RI.4.1; RI.4.2; RI.4.3; RI.4.4; RI.4.5; RI.4.6; RI.4.7; RI.4.8; RI.4.9

Writing

W.4.1; W.4.2; W.4.3; W.4.4; W.4.5; W.4.6; W.4.7; W.4.8; W.4.9

Speaking and Listening

SL.4.1; Sl.4.2; SL.4.3; SL4.4; SL.4.5; SL.4.6

 

Social Studies

 

6.1.4.B.1 Compare and contrast information that can be found on different types of maps, and determine when the information may be useful.

 

6.1.8.B.1.a  Describe migration and settlement patterns of Native American groups, and explain how these patterns affected interactions in different regions of the Western Hemisphere.

                    

6.2 World History/Global Studies

All students will acquire the knowledge and skills to think analytically and systematically about how past interactions of people, cultures, and the environment affect issues across time and cultures. Such knowledge and skills enable students to make informed decisions as socially and ethically responsible world citizens in the 21st century.

 

6.2.8.B.4.h  Explain how the locations, land forms, and climates of Mexico, Central America, and South America affected the development of Mayan, Aztec, and Incan societies, cultures, and economies.

    

6.2.8.D.1.c Explain how archaeological discoveries are used to develop and enhance understanding of life prior to written records.                                                             

 

8.1Educational Technology

All students will use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaborate and to create and communicate knowledge.

 

8.1.2.A.1 Identify the basic features of a digital device and explain its purpose.

 

8.1.2.A.2 Create a document using a word processing application.

 

8.1.2.A.3 Compare the common uses of at least two different digital applications and identify the advantages and disadvantages of using each.

 

8.1.2.A.4 Demonstrate developmentally appropriate navigation skills in virtual environments (i.e. games, museums).

 

8.1.2.E.1 Use digital tools and online resources to explore a problem or issue.