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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/indigenous-peoples-of-the-plateau/environment-and-culture
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Understanding the environment that people live in and how that influences their culture and tradition is essential to any social studies unit. In this activity students will create a spider map that details the environment and culture of the First Nations of the Plateau Region. They will include the names of some of the First Nations who live in that area, describe the environment 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 Plateau.
- 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
Understanding the environment that people live in and how that influences their culture and tradition is essential to any social studies unit. In this activity students will create a spider map that details the environment and culture of the First Nations of the Plateau Region. They will include the names of some of the First Nations who live in that area, describe the environment 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 Plateau.
- 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 Environment and Culture: Plateau Region
1
Organize a Plateau Region cultural artifacts day
Invite students to bring or create representations of Plateau Region artifacts, such as tools, clothing, or artwork. Displaying these items encourages hands-on exploration and deeper understanding of First Nations culture.
2
Divide students into artifact research teams
Assign each group a type of artifact—like homes, clothing, or tools. Focusing on one area lets students become mini-experts and share insights with their classmates.
3
Guide students to research and make mini-displays
Have teams use books or trusted websites to learn about their artifact, then create a simple model or poster. This boosts research skills and creativity while reinforcing key facts about the Plateau Region.
4
Facilitate a classroom artifact museum walk
Set up student displays around the room and allow classmates to visit each one. Encourage students to ask questions and record interesting facts as they learn from each other’s work.
5
Reflect on how environment shaped Plateau Region artifacts
Lead a discussion connecting each artifact to the Plateau’s environment and available resources. This helps students see the strong link between geography and cultural traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Environment and Culture: Plateau Region
What is the environment like in the Plateau Region for First Nations people?
The Plateau Region features forests, rivers, valleys, and a semi-arid climate with cold winters and warm summers. These natural features greatly influence the way First Nations people live, gather resources, and develop cultural traditions.
How can students create a spider map about the Plateau Region's environment and culture?
To create a spider map, students should include key points like names of First Nations groups in the Plateau, descriptions of physical features and climate, available natural resources, and examples of how these resources are used for food, tools, clothing, and homes. Illustrations and short descriptions for each cell help organize the information visually.
Which First Nations groups live in the Plateau Region?
Several First Nations live in the Plateau Region, including the Nez Perce, Salish, Ktunaxa, and Secwepemc. Each group has unique traditions influenced by their environment and resources.
What natural resources are found in the Plateau Region and how were they used?
The Plateau Region offers resources like roots, berries, fish (especially salmon), and game animals. First Nations people used these for food and crafted tools, clothing, and homes from materials such as wood, reeds, and animal hides.
How does real-time collaboration benefit students working on this Plateau Region lesson?
Real-time collaboration allows students to work together on the same storyboard, improving communication and problem-solving skills. It also helps students complete assignments faster and encourages deeper thinking about the Plateau Region's environment and culture.
More Storyboard That Activities
Indigenous Peoples of the Plateau
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/indigenous-peoples-of-the-plateau/environment-and-culture
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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
