Title:  Northwest:  Shoshone.

Grade Level:  4th-6th grades.

Subjects:  Reading, Social Studies, Language, Technology, Art.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will locate data about geographic regions, traditional housing, famous chiefs, customs/legends, and foods (Record information  on data collection chart using selected  reference sources).
2. Students will discuss their findings and compare them to previous tribes studied.
3. Students will read "Coyote Dances With a Star."
4. Students will view samples of Shoshone bead work.
5. Students will make a simple beaded necklace or piece of jewelry.

Duration:  Two days--minimum 60 minutes per day

Materials:

Unit data collection chart, hard copies if desired of "Coyote Dances With a Star," string, various sized beads or macaronis.

Computers with Internet access, projection device (i.e.scan converter).

Teacher Notes:

• Acceptable Use Policy for each student.
• Read legend together and discuss similarities to other Native American Tribes stories.
• Project Shoshone beadwork samples on TV or screen for discussion of patterns, color, etc.
• Bookmark selected websites for research.

Session One:

1. Distribute the Unit Data Collecting Chart and allow time for reference work.
2. Distribute the Coyote legend, read, and discuss.
3. When all students have completed steps one and two, make comparisons with other tribes.

Session Two:

1. Using projection device, view samples of Shoshone beaded works.
2. Provide instructions for beaded necklace.
3. Distribute art supplies.
4. Provide work time for making jewelry.

• Make a model of longhouse.
• Read and discuss the life of women in the Shoshone tribe.
• Read and discuss the life of Sacajawea.
• Write a short play of Lewis and Clark with Sacajawea.

1. Correct completion of Unit Data Collection Chart.
2. Participation in reading and discussing the "coyote" legend.
3. Completion of bead work jewelry.

Reading Comprehension: 5.15, 5.16, 5.22, 5.27.  Social Studies: 5.26, 5.27, 5.32, 5.33, 5.46. Language:  5.154, 5.155.  Technology: 5.186.  Art: 5.19.

National Standards

References:

Shoshone site 2
Erdoes, Richard and Alfonso Ortiz. American Indian Myths and Legends. New York: Patheon Books, 1984
Reader's Digest. Through Indian Eyes. Reader's Digest Association. NY. 1995. ill.400p.
Taylor, Colin Ph.D.  Native American Myths and Legends. Salamander Books Limited. London 1994. ill.144p.

Author:  Carol Thorp (cthorp@access.k12.wv.us)

Overview

Iroquois

Sioux

Hopi

Shoshone

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