Fourth graders consider the role that baskets play in the traditional lives of Native Americans in California. Students investigate types of baskets and their various uses and then weave their own baskets.

Students design a unique basket plaque incorporating at least one symbol from their chosen tribe. They also identify, share, and give rationales for the symbols in basket plaques. Whole class discussion jig-saws their discoveries.

Young scholars create models of wigwams. They discuss winter and summer villages and the types of wigwams. They construct a wigwam using information from the Native American website to follow the scale. They present their models to the...

Students create individual basket plaques emphasizing Native American techniques and designs. Students learn to identify Native American tribal symbols and incorporate them into their basket plaque.

Students listen as a guest speaker describes the process of gathering and preparing materials for making a Seminole basket. They use provided materials to create their own basket and finally, they give an oral presentation on their basket.