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https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/indigenous-peoples-of-the-caribbean/environment-culture
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
When students are studying the Native American Cultural Regions, it's important for them to understand how the environment impacted the traditions and way of life for the people who lived there. In this activity students will create a spider map that illustrates what they have learned about the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean Region. Their maps will include the name(s) of the Indigenous peoples, describe the environment of the Caribbean 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
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 Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean Region
- 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 Indigenous Peoples, the environment (physical features and climate), natural resources, useful tools and items made from the natural resources, including clothing and homes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Environment and Culture 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
When students are studying the Native American Cultural Regions, it's important for them to understand how the environment impacted the traditions and way of life for the people who lived there. In this activity students will create a spider map that illustrates what they have learned about the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean Region. Their maps will include the name(s) of the Indigenous peoples, describe the environment of the Caribbean 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 Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean Region
- 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 Indigenous Peoples, the environment (physical features and climate), natural resources, useful tools and items made from the natural resources, including clothing and homes.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Environment and Culture 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 First Nations of the Caribbean Culture and Environment
1
Incorporate primary sources to deepen cultural understanding
Use primary sources such as historical images, maps, or artifacts to help students visualize and connect with the daily life of Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. Showing authentic materials sparks curiosity and supports critical thinking about culture and environment.
2
Guide students in analyzing primary sources together
Display a primary source and invite students to observe, describe, and discuss details they notice. Ask questions like, “What does this tool tell us about how people used their environment?” to encourage thoughtful discussion and draw connections to their spider maps.
3
Facilitate small group research with digital archives
Assign small groups to explore online museums or archives for photos, drawings, or stories from the Caribbean’s Indigenous Peoples. This empowers students to find real-world examples and adds variety and depth to their projects.
4
Help students integrate source findings into their spider maps
Model how to cite and summarize what students discover from primary sources. Encourage them to add a brief note or illustration from their findings to their spider map, deepening their understanding and making their work more authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Nations of the Caribbean Culture and Environment
What are the main Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean and how did they adapt to their environment?
Taíno, Carib, and Arawak are the main Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. They adapted by using local resources for food, building homes from palm leaves and wood, and crafting tools from stone, shells, and bones to suit the region's climate and geography.
How can students create a spider map to show the culture and environment of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples?
To create a spider map, students should place the main topic in the center and branch out with sections for names of peoples, environment and climate, natural resources, homes and tools, and cultural traditions, adding descriptions and illustrations for each.
What natural resources did Indigenous Caribbean peoples use for food, clothing, and shelter?
Indigenous peoples used coconuts, cassava, fish, and tropical fruits for food; palms, wood, and cotton for building homes and making clothing; and shells and stones to craft tools and everyday items.
Why is collaboration important when students create a storyboard about Indigenous cultures?
Collaboration helps students share ideas, deepen understanding, and improve communication and problem-solving skills. Working together can make storyboarding more creative and efficient, especially when using real-time tools.
What steps should teachers follow to enable collaboration for a storyboard assignment?
Teachers should go to the "Edit Assignment" tab and enable the collaboration feature. This lets multiple students work on the same storyboard in real time, making group work smooth and interactive.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
