United States History Student Edition

TOPIC ACTIVITIES

FLORIDA SKILLS BENCHMARKS

Apply What You Have Learned

• SS.8.A.1.4 • SS.8.A.1.7

• ELA.K12.EE.1.1

• SS.8.A.1.6

Native American peoples have different beliefs about how they came to live on their land. Many groups explain their beliefs through origin stories. For example, the Iroquois people tell the story of the Great Turtle, who made a home for a superior being called Sky Woman when she fell from the sky to the world of water. ACTIVITY Writing About Origin Stories Select two origin stories from two different Native American groups. Compare and contrast the two stories. What elements of nature appear in each story? How do the stories help show the importance of the environment to Native Americans? In what ways do the stories differ? Prepare a one- page essay that summarizes the origin stories and answers the questions posed here. Understanding Multiple Perspectives B

A

Connecting to the Past

Nearly every part of what is today the United States was at some time inhabited by Native Americans. What do you know about the Native Americans who used to live in your area long ago? Are there any sites or museums related to their culture in your area? Who are their descendants, and where and how do they live? ACTIVITY Becoming Informed About Issues Invite a representative of a local Native American group or nation to speak to your class about the history of Native Americans in your area and any current issues that are important to the group. To locate a speaker, ask your teacher or school principal about whom to contact, or call or write to one of these groups or agencies: • B ureau of Indian Affairs Regional Office for your region • Your state’s office of Indian affairs, Indian affairs commission, or similar agency • A local Native American cultural office or cultural heritage center

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The First Americans