“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/indigenous-peoples-of-the-eastern-woodlands/environment-culture
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that outlines the culture and tradition of the First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands region.Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations, describe the environment of the Northeast 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 Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands
- 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 First Nations, 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
In this activity students will create a spider map that outlines the culture and tradition of the First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands region.Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations, describe the environment of the Northeast 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 Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands
- 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 First Nations, 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 Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands Environment and Culture
1
Organize a classroom discussion on Eastern Woodlands cultures
Engage students by leading a guided conversation about the daily life, environment, and traditions of the Eastern Woodlands peoples. This helps deepen understanding and allows students to share what they learned from their spider maps.
2
Prepare thought-provoking questions ahead of time
Write down a list of open-ended questions such as “How did the environment affect their food and homes?” or “What traditions stood out to you?” to encourage critical thinking and lively participation.
3
Assign student roles to boost participation
Give students roles like discussion leader, note-taker, or summarizer to ensure everyone is involved and the discussion stays focused and productive.
4
Encourage respectful listening and sharing
Remind students to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to each other’s ideas, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where every voice is valued.
5
Summarize key insights as a class
After the discussion, work together to highlight main takeaways about the culture and environment of the Eastern Woodlands. This reinforces learning and helps students connect ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands Environment and Culture
What are the main features of the Eastern Woodlands environment?
The Eastern Woodlands region is known for its dense forests, rivers, lakes, and a moderate climate with four seasons. These physical features provided rich natural resources for Indigenous peoples living there.
Who were the First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands?
First Nations of the Eastern Woodlands include groups like the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), Algonquin, Ojibwe, and Mi'kmaq. Each group had unique traditions, languages, and ways of life shaped by the environment.
How did Indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands use natural resources?
Indigenous peoples used local resources for survival: wood for homes and tools, animal skins for clothing, and plants for food and medicine. They adapted creatively to their environment using what was available.
What is a spider map activity for teaching about Eastern Woodlands culture?
A spider map activity asks students to visually organize key facts about the Eastern Woodlands' environment, nations, resources, and traditions. It helps students make connections and summarize learning.
How can students collaborate on a spider map lesson in Storyboard That?
Teachers can enable Real Time Collaboration in Storyboard That, allowing students to work together on the same spider map. This boosts teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills during the lesson.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://sbt-core-www-c7bcewead6hdg8dr.eastus-01.azurewebsites.net/lesson-plans/indigenous-peoples-of-the-eastern-woodlands/environment-culture
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
