Fourth-Graders Construct Models of Native American Dwellings

Fourth-graders – who have been conducting extensive research about the various aspects of the lives and culture of the Iroquois and Algonquin tribes – collaborated in groups to construct their own models of Native American dwellings.  

Before starting the building process, the students learned about the two tribes’ traditions and beliefs, food production, farming needs and tools, technology, as well as the work specialization and the roles of men, women and children in their society. They also compared and contrasted the patterns of organization and governance of the Native American groups and investigated how each tribe adapted to and modified their environment to meet their needs and wants.

To gain further insight into the lives of the first people of New York, the students visited Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, where they went inside a wigwam and explored the various tools, weapons and toys that the Native Americans of this region would have used. Afterwards, the students constructed their dwellings out of wooden sticks, leaves and felt, and created figures and sculptures out of clay to represent the culture and society of the Iroquois and Algonquin tribes. 

“I am amazed at the students’ creativity in creating their structures and representing the various aspects of the Iroquois and Algonquin’s lives and culture,” teacher Lauren Wright said. “They bring such excitement and enthusiasm to their research, which is evident in their finished products.” 

Throughout the project – which was part of a project-based learning unit – the students learned how to collaborate with their peers, develop a compromise, as well as set team and individual goals. To conclude their project, the students were challenged to consider one of two actual events that affected the lives of native Americans and to reflect on their built environment to consider the implications. They also reflected on how native American life was changed as a result of European exploration.  

“Through this one project, the students learned so much about the culture of these Native American groups, as well as the importance of collaboration and teamwork,” Wright said.