The American Republic To 1877 © 2007

Chapter 1: The First Americans

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this opening chapter students learned about the first Americans. As these people spread across North and South America they developed unique cultures. Each culture developed political and economic systems, as well as art, language, and spiritual beliefs. The Web site for Native American cultures contains many articles, photographs, and documents that provide a wealth of background information on a variety of cultural topics.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a Native American Cultures Web site. Here they will read a legend about the "Origin of Fire." After reading the story they will answer several questions and create their own version of the "Origin of Fire" story. Discuss the relationship between Native Americans and their environment as a background to the story and the students' own original writing.

1. The learner will be able to read and comprehend a Native American legend.
2. The learner will be able to discuss the close relationship between Native Americans and their environment.
3. The learner will be able to create an original story about the origin of fire.

1. the Geese
2. He could not open his eyes.
3. He fell into the firefly village.
4. He attached a piece of cedar bark to his tail and ran near the fire, lighting the bark. Then the fox fled to the Cedar Tree, which helped him over the wall. The fox fled through the land spreading fire.
5. Individual stories will vary.