A History of Native America Before and After European Colonization in the Old Northwest Territory
By A. J. Santoni

Activities

1.)  In cooperative learning groups (4 or 5 students per group), have each group make an imaginary map of the Detroit River representing a particular era as discussed in the outline. On the map, students indicate resources and artifacts that would be discovered near the river. Have them also include references to the vocabulary words. In chronological order, have each group present their maps to the class. Discuss differences in time and changes in the human population and resources.

2.)  Have students make a chart listing the natural resources of Michigan and how particular Michigan people used them.

3.)  You and Indiana Jones or “I want to be an Archeologist!”

4.)  Have students research a particular Native American tribe and record their history and use of natural resources. Make a class bulletin board illustrating the results of the research.

Extensions:

1.)  Creative writing.

2.)  Use the worksheet to classify the artifacts and decide the circumstances under which they were placed.

3.)  Count the artifacts.

4.)  Questions for further discussion:

a.     Name five things seen or touched which demonstrated that the earth has different surfaces.

b.     Name at least five different kinds of wildlife discovered and the layer in which it was found.

c.     Name at least five different man-made objects found and whether they were made by Native Americans or non-Native pioneers.

d.     Deduce from your findings, the different attitudes held by Native Americans and non-Native pioneers regarding the environment.