Activity Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that illustrates what they have learned about the First Nations of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies region. Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations that call the region home, describe the environment of the Plains 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 Great Plains and Canadian Prairies
- 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
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick 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. |
Activity Overview
In this activity students will create a spider map that illustrates what they have learned about the First Nations of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies region. Their maps will include the names of some of the First Nations that call the region home, describe the environment of the Plains 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 Great Plains and Canadian Prairies
- 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
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick 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 People of the Great Plains Environment and Culture
Encourage Students to Share and Present Their Spider Maps
Presenting spider maps helps students develop communication skills and deepens their understanding by explaining their work to others.
Explain the Purpose of Sharing Work
Clarify why sharing is important so students feel motivated—presentations allow everyone to learn from different perspectives and reinforce cultural appreciation.
Model an Effective Presentation
Demonstrate a sample presentation, highlighting clear speaking, respectful listening, and referencing specific details from the spider map. This sets expectations and builds student confidence.
Organize Small Group or Whole-Class Presentations
Decide if students will present in small groups or to the entire class. Smaller groups can make sharing less intimidating, while whole-class presentations foster a sense of community.
Promote Positive Peer Feedback
Encourage students to offer at least one positive comment or thoughtful question after each presentation. This builds a respectful, collaborative classroom environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous People of the Great Plains Environment and Culture
What is a spider map activity for learning about Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains?
A spider map activity is a visual organizer where students illustrate key facts about the First Nations of the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies, including tribe names, environment, resources, and culture. It helps students organize and present information clearly.
How can students collaborate on creating a Great Plains Indigenous Peoples spider map?
Students can use Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration to work together on the same spider map. Teachers simply enable collaboration in the assignment settings, allowing students to build and edit the project simultaneously, improving communication and teamwork skills.
What are the main features to include in a lesson about Indigenous cultures of the Plains?
The lesson should cover tribe names, the environment (physical features and climate), natural resources and how they were used for food, tools, clothing, and homes, as well as unique cultural traditions or interesting facts.
Why is collaboration important when students work on cultural geography assignments?
Collaboration helps students think more deeply, communicate better, and solve problems together. Working in groups can also speed up project completion and enrich learning through shared perspectives.
What steps should teachers follow to assign a collaborative spider map project on Indigenous Peoples?
Teachers should: 1) Create the assignment in Storyboard That, 2) Enable Real Time Collaboration in the assignment's Edit tab, 3) Instruct students to start the assignment and work together to illustrate and describe key aspects of the Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Plains
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