Introduction

We are going to be learning about how the Native Americans survived in Massachusetts during the 1600’s.  Life in the hills and forests, which covered the state, was very difficult for the tribes.  In order to survive they had to learn to live off the land.  They had to make their own homes, clothes, utensils, farming implements, fishing and hunting tools, weapons, and anything else that they needed.  We can  imagine some of the ways in which the Native Americans used the natural resources around them to produce what they needed to survive.. (The students will illustrate and describe one idea, and they will look at 5 natural resource cards and try and determine how Native Americans may have used them.

Fortunately, archeologists have been able to unearth, or dig up many of these artifacts and we have been able to see first hand how resourceful Native Americans were.  By studying these artifacts we can also get a glimpse into their everyday lives. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to illustrate and describe one idea, look at five natural resource cards and try to determine how Native Americans might have used these natural resources, and observe and note examples of Native Americans using natural resources during a virtual tour of Plymouth Plantation.  Students will also watch a short video on the history channel.

Task