An American Original
 

 
Come along as we investigate the Cherokee Nation, an American original!
 

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

  
Lesson and Web Designers: Kary Pomeroy and Anita Brown
 
 
Tennessee State Standards and Learning Objectives:  
Learning Objectives

1.01 Understand the nature and complexity of culture.
1.05 Understand the role that diverse cultures and historical experiences had on the development of the world.

Performance Standards

6.1.tpi.1. recognize the variety of cultures within a community by comparison.
6.1.tpi.2. make and sample foods from a cultural region.
6.1.tpi.6. compare various forms of jewelry, art, music, and literature among historical periods.
6.1.tpi.7. Read mythologies and/or oral histories from various cultural groups. (e.g., Greek mythology, African folk tales, Chinese fables).
6.3.spi.5. use a variety of maps to understand geographic and historical information (i.e., political maps, resource maps, product maps, physical maps, climate maps,
               vegetation maps).

Materials Needed:  
At least 6 computers
Access to internet
Art Supplies
  CD's (one per dream catcher)
  String
  White glue
  Colored sand
  Glitter
  Pony beads
  Feathers
  Paper for Canvas Painting
  Paints and Brushes
PowerPoint
Word Processor
Printer
Home Ec. room
 
Duration of Learning Web:
2 weeks
     
Scaffolding Activities:  
Students have been completing word processing activities all year. A PowerPoint lesson and demonstration will be given during the preamble comparison of the constitutions.  Students will receive a step by step lesson in completing a 5 slide PowerPoint presentation.

 

Adaptations:    
Students will be placed in groups based on individual proficiency.
     
Statement of the Problem:
Students need to learn about the culture of the Cherokee nation to help in their understanding of a new student.
     
Assignments:

 
     

   Myths and Legends:

Research Cherokee Myths and Legends from the web sties provided below.
Choose any two of the myths or legends you find interesting.
Create a word document titled and saved as myths and legends
Write a short reflection of the two you chose.
Print out your reflection and peer edit before turning in your final copy.
(Comprehension)

     

   Craft Corner:

After receiving your assigned group number, go to the craft corner.
In the craft corner, there are 3 tables.
Each table has supplies and directions for a Cherokee craft.
Follow the directions given for creating your jewelry, painting, and dream catcher.
Samples and inspiration are provided on each table and through web sites below.
Groups will rotate together, once everyone’s craft is complete.
(Analysis, Synthesis)

     

   Comparing Two Governments:

There will be 6 groups with each member assigned to a specific group.
Each group will be assigned one article of the Cherokee Constitution to research.
After researching the assigned article, locate the corresponding article or section in the US Constitution.
In your groups, compare and contrast the two constitutions
Groups will then create a 5 slide PowerPoint that contains your findings.
        Each PowerPoint must include:
        1. Title Slide: group names, and article number researched
        2. Article Subject/ Explanation (Cherokee Constitution)
        3. Corresponding article/section of the US Constitution
        4. Compare and Contrast the two articles (divide your slide into 2 columns)
        5. Opinion: What does your group think?
              Why is it important?
              Why would one see its importance and the other not?
Be sure to add at least one clip art image to the slides
An example PowerPoint slide will be created in class
The web sites to use are listed below
Groups will present their PowerPoint presentation upon completion.
(Evaluation, Synthesis, Knowledge, Comprehension, Analysis)

     

   Food Feast:

Complete research on food that was common to American Indians
Bring one of the types
   of food you find in your
   research to class
We will cook and eat!
(Synthesis)
     
Websites:    
     
Constitutions:    
US Constitution Link  
Cherokee Constitution  
   
Myths and Legends:  
Native American Lore
Indians.org  
   
Other Web Sites about Cherokee Indians:
Cherokee for Kids  
Trail of Tears
 		    
Cherokee History
 		    
Cherokee Museum    
     
Assessment:    

500 Points Total

Food:   50 points
Myths & Legends: 100 points
Crafts: 150 points
Constitution: 200

Grade Breakdown

A         475-500
B         474-425
C         424-375
D         374-300
F          below 300

     
Thank you for Participating -- Good Luck!!

All animations are available at http://www.animation-central.com