Activity Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that outlines the culture and tradition of the First Nations of the Southwest region. Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations, describe the environment of the Southwest 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 Native Americans of the Southwest.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 First Nations, 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 outlines the culture and tradition of the First Nations of the Southwest region. Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations, describe the environment of the Southwest 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 Native Americans of the Southwest.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- 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 First Nations, 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 Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest Environment and Culture
How to introduce Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest using primary sources
Engage students by sharing authentic photographs, artifacts, or short video clips highlighting daily life, homes, and traditions of the Southwest's Indigenous Peoples. Ask prompting questions to spark curiosity and encourage observation. This approach builds context before students begin their spider maps, helping them connect visual evidence to the cultural details they'll explore.
Model brainstorming with a class spider map
Demonstrate brainstorming by creating a sample spider map on the board with the class. Invite students to suggest ideas for each spoke, such as environment, resources, homes, and traditions. This collaborative modeling shows how to organize information and supports all learners.
Assign and explain research resources
Provide curated books, articles, or websites about the Southwest's Indigenous Peoples. Explain how to use these resources to find facts for each spider map category. Highlight the importance of using reliable sources and encourage students to take brief notes as they read or watch.
Support vocabulary development with a word wall
Create a word wall with key terms like pueblo, adobe, kiva, arid, irrigation, and tribe names. Encourage students to refer to the wall while working and add new words they discover. This builds confidence and helps all students use academic language accurately in their maps and descriptions.
Facilitate peer sharing and feedback
Organize brief peer sharing sessions where students explain parts of their spider maps to a partner or small group. Guide students to give positive, specific feedback (e.g., "I liked how you described the use of clay for homes"). This builds speaking skills and helps students refine their work before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest Environment and Culture
What is a spider map for studying Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually outline key aspects of the Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest, such as tribes, environment, resources, culture, and traditions.
How can students collaborate on a Southwest Indigenous Peoples spider map lesson?
Students can collaborate in real time using Storyboard That’s Real Time Collaboration feature, allowing multiple students to work together on the same storyboard to share ideas and complete the assignment efficiently.
What environmental features define the Southwest region for Indigenous Peoples?
The Southwest region is characterized by arid deserts, mesas, canyons, and a dry climate, which influenced how Native Americans adapted their homes, clothing, and food sources.
Which natural resources were important to First Nations of the Southwest, and how were they used?
Natural resources such as clay, stone, maize, beans, and cotton were vital for building homes, creating tools, making clothing, and providing food for Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest.
What are some cultural traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest?
Cultural traditions include pottery making, weaving, storytelling, ceremonial dances, and building adobe homes, reflecting their deep connection to the environment and community.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest
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