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Let's Pow Wow!
A NATIVE AMERICAN WEBQUEST
Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion
The Native American Pow Wow is a time of celebration and a gathering of nations. Tribes held these festivals to welcome the harvest, commemorate the birth of a child, or hold a family reunion. The Pow Wow is a unique part of Native American culture and history. Different tribes gathered during a pow wow, and each tribe had its own culture and beliefs. Today, pow wows can be a gathering of different Indian nations as a way of sharing their individual cultures.
Task
Students will be divided into Native American tribes according to region by your teacher.  Each tribe will have a CHIEF, MOTHER, WARRIOR, and STORYTELLER.  Each member of the tribe will have a task to complete before the pow wow.  At the pow wow, each member will present that portion of their culture to show the others the ways that their tribe is unique.   
Native American Tribes by Regions:
The Makah: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest
The Anasazi: Cliff Dwellers and Pueblo People of the Desert Southwest
The Sioux: Nomadic Nations of the Great Plains
The Iroquois: Woodland Peoples East of the Mississippi River
Process
STEP 1

Determine who will play the role of CHIEF, MOTHER, WARRIOR, and STORYTELLER
As CHIEF, you will lead your tribe in research and describe what type of houses they live in
As MOTHER, you will choose foods and prepare the menu for the pow wow feast
As WARRIOR, you will describe the natural resources available to your tribe and develop a game that your tribal children would play with those resources
As STORYTELLER, you will describe the clothes your tribe wears and create a story based on your tribe's legends
STEP 2

Use Internet research links and your Social Studies textbook to gather information. Remember you are looking for information that answers the project tasks about food, shelter, clothing, natural resources and traditions unique to your tribe.
STEP 3

Combine your notes into a short presentation (2-3 minutes) about your topic for the pow wow.
Ask yourselves why it is important that we pass on traditions from one generation to the next?
Ask yourselves why is it important to be aware of differences that exist in customs?
Resources
Native American Legends and Folklore
American Indian Resource Links
Hotlist on Native Americans
Evaluation
Chief Level

1. You have done a great deal of research and have presented it thoroughly to the class.
2. Your information is descriptive and has given the class an insight into daily tribal life.
3. You have spoken clearly to the class.
4. You have cooperated and worked well with your group members.

Warrior Level

You have accomplished 3 of the 4 goals needed to become a Chief, keep trying and you'll soon be there.

Brave Level

You have accomplished 2 of the 4 goals needed to become a Chief, perhaps more research is in order.

Scout Level

You have accomplished 1 of the 4 goals needed to become a Chief, a great deal more research is in order.

Papoose Level

You have accomplished none of the 4 goals needed to become a Chief.  Much more effort is needed.
 
Conclusion
By the time you take part in your tribal pow wow, you will have gained an understanding of how different Indian cultures in America lived, the natural resources that molded their life, and the traditions that brought them together at a people.
This webquest was based on a similar site: http://www.ojai.k12.ca.us/schools/topatopa/the_powwow.htm