Activity Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that details what they have learned about the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Region. Their maps will include the names of some of the Indigenous peoples, describe the environment of the Arctic/Subarctic with physical features and climate, list the natural resources available and how these were used as food and to create tools, clothing, and homes. They may also describe any other cultural traditions or interesting information.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes the lives and traditions of Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Region.
Student Instructions:
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Create an illustration that represents each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Names of some of the Indigenous Peoples, the environment (physical features and climate), natural resources, useful tools and items made from the natural resources, including clothing and homes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of the 8 categories provided in the template. | Text and images include an explanation of the categories, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that details what they have learned about the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Region. Their maps will include the names of some of the Indigenous peoples, describe the environment of the Arctic/Subarctic with physical features and climate, list the natural resources available and how these were used as food and to create tools, clothing, and homes. They may also describe any other cultural traditions or interesting information.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes the lives and traditions of Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic Region.
Student Instructions:
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Create an illustration that represents each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Names of some of the Indigenous Peoples, the environment (physical features and climate), natural resources, useful tools and items made from the natural resources, including clothing and homes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of the 8 categories provided in the template. | Text and images include an explanation of the categories, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Environment and Culture of the Arctic First Nations
Plan an Interactive Arctic Culture Day for Your Class
Engage students by hosting a special classroom event that brings Arctic Indigenous culture to life. This immersive day can deepen understanding and connect learning to real-world experiences.
Select engaging Arctic-themed activities
Choose hands-on stations like crafting traditional tools, tasting simple Arctic-inspired foods, or storytelling circles. Rotate students through each activity to maximize participation and fun.
Invite students to research and present
Assign small groups to investigate an aspect of Arctic Indigenous life—such as clothing, housing, or survival skills—and prepare a short presentation or demo. This builds speaking skills and ownership over learning.
Incorporate music, art, and games
Integrate cultural elements like traditional songs, Inuit art styles, or native games. These creative outlets help students remember key concepts and appreciate cultural diversity.
Reflect and connect learning to the curriculum
Guide a class discussion or writing prompt about what students learned and how it relates to their spider maps. Reflection cements knowledge and encourages critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Environment and Culture of the Arctic First Nations
What is a spider map activity for learning about Arctic Indigenous Peoples?
A spider map activity is a graphic organizer where students visually organize information about Arctic Indigenous Peoples, such as their names, environment, resources, and cultural traditions, using labeled branches from a central idea.
How can students collaborate on a storyboard about the Arctic First Nations?
Students can use Real Time Collaboration on Storyboard That to work together on the same storyboard, allowing them to share ideas and complete the assignment more efficiently while building communication and problem-solving skills.
What are some natural resources used by Arctic Indigenous Peoples?
Arctic Indigenous Peoples use natural resources like animal skins, bones, furs, and fish for food, clothing, tools, and building shelters suitable for the harsh Arctic climate.
What physical features and climate define the Arctic/Subarctic environment?
The Arctic/Subarctic region is known for its cold temperatures, long winters, permafrost, tundra landscapes, limited vegetation, and unique wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
Which Indigenous Peoples live in the Arctic/Subarctic region?
Some Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic/Subarctic include the Inuit, Dene, and Inuvialuit, each with distinct cultures and adaptations to their environment.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic
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