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Study of Native Americans: Mythology, Literature and Culture

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Jennifer Carollo

Subject Area: Communication Arts/Reading/literature, Technology Use/WebQuests

Grade Range: High School (9-12)

Materials Needed:

  • Teacher needs to supply access to Internet and handouts.
  • Students will need a large poster board or access to PowerPoint.

Objective:

  1. To allow students to research areas of interest concerning the Native American culture.

Instructional Strategy: Provide visual tools

Process Standards:

  • Goal 1.4 use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information
  • Goal 1.8 organize data, information and ideas into useful forms (including charts, graphs, outlines)
  • Goal 2.1 plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences

Content Standards:

  • Communication Arts 5. Comprehending and evaluating the content and artistic aspects of oral and visual present...
  • Communication Arts 7. Identifying and evaluating relationships between language and culture

    G.L.E.:

    • CA - IL - 1 - A - 09
      (Information Literacy, Develop and apply effective research process skills to gather, analyze and evaluate information, Research plan, Grade 9-12      .)

    Time Allowance: about four days

    Description: Students will research various aspects of Native American mythology and conduct presentations with visual aids to share the information learned.

    Comments: Research can be completed in two to three class days. Students may need to spend additional time at home doing research and constructing their visual aid. Another day (which I schedule two days after research) will be necessary for presentations.

    Classroom Component:

    Steps to Implement this Idea:

    1. A teacher will decide if students will work individually, with partners or in a group.
    2. Once decided, the teacher will hand out the lesson explanation handout.
    3. After the assignment is explained, the students will need access to computers in order to research necessary information.
    4. After the research is complete, the students will present their information.

    Accommodations: Due to the various options, diverse needs are met. The amount of research and information may increase or decrease to accommodate different levels of ability.

    HANDOUT

    A Study of Native Americans: Mythology, Literature and Culture

    1. As partners, you will spend two days in the computer lab researching an area of interest concerning the Native Americans. I have pre-selected valuable Web sites to coincide with the options listed below.
    2. When you arrive in the computer lab, you will go to my Web site: __________________________________________
    3. This lesson allows you to further your understanding of Native American culture based on your individual interests.
    4. Once your information is collected, you will present your newfound knowledge to the class.
    5. You must have a visual aid to enhance the presentation of your information.
    6. I suggest a poster, but you may choose to use PowerPoint or overheads or other media as substitutes.

    Choose from any of the following options:

    • Sew a Common Thread: After reading new creation myths of at least three different tribes identify common themes among the stories. For example, sky trees, turtles, four colors, twins, etc. Create a poster that is visually stimulating and that contains explanations about the tribal creation myths. In your presentation, you will retell the main ideas of the creation myths—make sure you display and tell which tribe is responsible for the myth.
    • Mammals of Morality: Read at least three different trickster tales and explain their manner of teaching morality. You may want to choose three trickster tales that all teach one aspect of morality—fidelity, honesty, etc. Or you may choose to use a variety of tales that teach a variety of morals. Create a poster with images that will visually symbolize the morals being taught and/or the stories being told.
    • A Collage of Culture: In reading three pieces of literature from the same Native American tribe of your choice, create a poster that is a collage of pictures (drawn, painted, or from magazines, etc.) that represent the values of that tribe. Research the culture and read their myths and stories. In doing so, you should come to understand many of the following tribal beliefs about: creation, deity, humans, nature, love, origin of evil, astrology, redemption/heaven, customs, traditions, gender roles, values. You may want to include the tribal flag as the background or center of your poster. Your poster must have at least five of the above and may include other aspects that you learn while researching. Be able to explain each picture in your presentation.
    • Animate the Animals: Using the Web site that explains the symbolism of animals that often appear in Native American myths and stories, create a poster of pictures and explanations of the animals. In addition, your group will create a story using the animals. The animals'' roles in your story should coincide with their common symbolic meaning. You may create a trickster tale or write an original creation myth. You may choose your tone and intent.
    • In Gods We Trust: By reading at least three different creation myths of different Native American tribes, you will begin to realize the many different names given to the God(s) of Native American culture. Create a poster that includes the name of the Native American tribe, the name of the God(s) they believe in, and what the God(s) is responsible for. Use pictures or drawings to enhance the poster.
    • The All- (Native) American Hero: In many Native American stories and myths, there are heroes. For example, "White Buffalo Woman" or "Changing Woman of the Navajo" or "Cheyenne''s Little Sister," etc. Find at least three heroes of three different tribes and explain why they are admired or even worshipped as a hero. Create a poster to represent the various heroes. Use pictures or drawings to enhance the poster and presentation.
    • Will the Real Creator Please Stand? Read a variety of origin myths and choose one natural phenomenon—like rain or the moon or stars or death or procreation, etc.—and create a poster that shows and explains how at least three different tribes try to describe the same phenomenon. You may want to have the common aspect of creation pictured in the middle of your poster and include the different myths around it.
    • It''s not a Small World After All: Using visual images, create a poster to represent the four worlds of the Navajo tribe. (You may also find that other tribes also believe in many worlds.) Your poster should explain the creation and characteristics of these four worlds. Include the details and pictures. This type of poster may have layers that peel back to reveal each world.
    • Biblical Parallels: After reading at least three creation myths, find biblical parallels to the Native American beliefs about the aspects of creation, salvation, Satan, morality, etc. For example: how/why/when did sin enter the world, how did the earth come to be, etc. This project is for anyone who has knowledge about the Bible and is interested in comparing views of creation. Create a poster showing the similarities of at least three beliefs.
    • Who am I anyway?: If you would like to search out your individual Native American heritage, you may work on your own and do so. Create a poster—it may be a family tree or may be filled with aspects of your culture that you have learned about in doing research. If you have cultural artifacts, you do not need a poster. See option #4 for areas to research.
    • *Interview—If you know someone who is Native American and has knowledge that he/she would like to contribute to our education, please let me know. You may use the research time to learn about the guest speaker''s culture in order to ask educated questions while in class. You would be responsible for generating 20 high-quality questions for the Native American. You will ask these questions in class and you should make them available for the speaker before arrival.

    Web Sites for Native American Study

    Native American Myth and Culture Study—A Study of Native Americans: Mythology, Literature, and Culture

    General Mythology Resources: Useful for All Project Options

    Specific Native American Resources: More Useful for Select Project Options

    Native American Mythology Project Scoring Guide

    Poster Content
    		 All appropriate expectations were met Clearly reveals the relevant and factual information Easily understandable Organized in a logical and creative manner __________/20
    Appearance
    		 Poster is stimulating to the eye Text is typed or very neatly written Display is creative and engaging Images and text are large and visible to all students Reflects that extensive time and effort was spent __________/10
    Presentation Content
    		 Explanation reveals understanding of subject Reveals enthusiasm about content Presentation is formal—(Keep eye contact, volume, poise and a serious, informative tone) Between 3-5 minutes time Presenters are planned and ready. __________/10
    Works Citted
    		 Typed Pasted on back of poster Follows correct MLA format __________/10
    Total
    		 __________/50

    *You must be ready on the day of presentations—This Friday! If your partner is absent, you are responsible for the presentation so make sure both people have the materials.

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    For additional information contact :
    Jennifer Carollo
    Lafayette Sr. High
    Rockwood R-VI
    (636) 458-7200
    EMAIL:     LST05@rockwood.k12.mo.us

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