Activity Overview
The Métis Nation is still vibrant and thriving today, and has called Canada home since the 1700s. In this activity students will create a spider map that highlights the Métis Nation of Canada. Their maps will describe the environment, physical features, and the culture and traditions of the Métis people. 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 the Métis Nation of Canada.
Student Instructions:
- 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.
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
The Métis Nation is still vibrant and thriving today, and has called Canada home since the 1700s. In this activity students will create a spider map that highlights the Métis Nation of Canada. Their maps will describe the environment, physical features, and the culture and traditions of the Métis people. 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 the Métis Nation of Canada.
Student Instructions:
- 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.
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 Métis Nation
Integrate Métis Nation research into a cross-curricular lesson
Combine social studies with language arts, art, or technology by having students explore the Métis Nation through multiple subjects. This approach deepens understanding and helps students make real-world connections.
Guide students to select reliable sources about Métis culture
Teach students to identify trustworthy online and print sources by looking for reputable organizations, authors, and up-to-date information. Discuss why source credibility matters, especially with Indigenous topics.
Encourage respectful representation in student projects
Discuss with students how to avoid stereotypes and honor Métis traditions by using accurate images, language, and context. Model respectful language and provide vetted resources for reference.
Facilitate sharing and reflection after project completion
Organize a class gallery walk or virtual showcase where students present their spider maps and reflect on what they learned. This fosters pride, listening skills, and deeper cultural appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Environment and Culture of the Métis Nation
What is the Métis Nation of Canada and why is it important to learn about their culture in the classroom?
The Métis Nation of Canada is a distinct Indigenous group with unique traditions, history, and connections to the land. Learning about their culture helps students understand diversity, respect Indigenous perspectives, and appreciate Canada's rich heritage.
How can I teach students about the environment and traditions of the Métis Nation in an engaging way?
Engage students by having them create spider maps that illustrate the Métis Nation's environment, physical features, and cultural traditions. Collaborative activities and visual storytelling foster deeper understanding and active participation.
What is a spider map and how does it help students learn about the Métis Nation?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize information about a topic. It allows them to connect aspects of the Métis Nation's environment and culture, making learning more interactive and memorable.
What are some key cultural traditions and features of the Métis people students should include in their projects?
Students should include traditional music, clothing (like sashes), language (Michif), celebrations, and the Métis connection to the land. Emphasizing these aspects helps celebrate their unique identity and contributions to Canadian culture.
How can I enable real-time collaboration for student assignments on Storyboard That?
To enable real-time collaboration on Storyboard That, go to the "Edit Assignment" tab and turn on collaboration. This lets students work together on the same storyboard, improving communication, creativity, and teamwork.
More Storyboard That Activities
Métis Nation of Canada
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