Pacific Northwest teacher edition

Vernon, Waller, Scales, Woody, and Martin, imagine you are explorers walking on the shores of the Pacific Northwest in the present day. What are some of the sounds you would have heard?

• The gentle breeze from the ocean and the rustling sounds of trees

• The voices, songs, and music of Native Americans echoing in the air

• The melodious chirping of birds and the rhythmic crashing of waves

• The honking of cars and chatter of people in a busy city

Imagine you're an archaeologist, just like our friend Boyd. You've discovered some artifacts in your backyard. Can you guess what these artifacts are and how they might have helped us learn about the early Native American culture?

• Artifacts are objects left behind, and they have helped in understanding the lifestyle of Native Americans

• Artifacts are old coins, and they have helped in understanding the economy of Native Americans

• Artifacts are ancient buildings, and they have helped in understanding the architecture of Native Americans

• Artifacts are musical instruments, and they have helped in understanding the music of Native Americans

Imagine Waller, Scales, and Cassidy are explorers! They've landed in the Pacific Northwest during the time of the first Americans. How do you think these first Americans got here?

• They've always been here, since the dawn of time

• European explorers brought them along on their voyages

• They crossed a land bridge from Northeast Asia to North America

• They sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean

Imagine Harrington, Wizeman, and Cassidy are explorers who have just landed in the Pacific Northwest during the time of the Native Americans. Can you guess some of the natural resources they might find that the Native Americans used?

• Cotton, silk, and spices

• Gold, silver, and diamonds

• Food, water, and wood

• Oil, coal, and natural gas

Imagine Cassidy, Martin, and Harrington are on a field trip to the Pacific Northwest. Can you guess what significant part of the local diet they would be offered?

• Beef and pork

• Salmon and fish eggs

• Rice and noodles

• Chicken and eggs

Woody, Martin, and Cassidy are studying about the cultural practices of the Northwest Native Americans for their history project. They are particularly intrigued by the concept of potlatches. Can you help them understand what potlatches were and why they were significant to the Northwest Native Americans?

• Woody thinks potlatches were fishing tools, and they were important for catching salmon

• Martin believes potlatches were celebrations, and they were important for earning respect and giving away possessions

• Cassidy suggests potlatches were musical instruments, and they were important for traditional music

• Or, were potlatches weapons, and they were important for hunting?

Imagine you're in a history museum tour with Wizeman, Harrington, and Martin. The tour guide just asked, 'What were totem poles and why were they important to the families of the Northwest Native Americans?'

• Wizeman steps forward and says, 'Totem poles were used for storytelling, and they were important for sharing family history and important events.'

• Harrington thinks for a moment and then suggests, 'Totem poles were used for communication, and they were important for sending messages to other villages.'

• Martin, always the adventurous one, proposes, 'Totem poles were used for transportation, and they were important for traveling long distances.'

• Or do you think, 'Totem poles were used for defense, and they were important for protecting the village from enemies.'

Imagine Woody, Arrington, and Cassidy are historians! They have just started researching the period after the American Revolutionary War. They notice some changes in the lives of the Northwest Native Americans. What do you think they found in their research?

• They found that the Native Americans were able to preserve their customs and traditions

• They discovered that the Native Americans were able to establish new trade routes with other Native American tribes

• They learned that the Native Americans lost their land and hunting grounds to Europeans

• They realized that the Native Americans became more prosperous and powerful

Scales, Arrington, and Boyd are studying the history of the Native Americans in the Northwest for their school project. They noticed a significant loss in the culture. Can you guess what led to this loss?

• Did a series of natural disasters like earthquakes and floods cause it?

• Was it due to the introduction of new technologies and inventions?

• Did the decline in the availability of natural resources lead to it?

• Or was it the spread of diseases and loss of immunity?

Wizeman, Cassidy, and Harrington are participating in a school debate. The topic is the significance of preserving the traditions, culture, and spiritual beliefs of the Native American people. Based on their discussion, which point do you think is the most valid?

• It is not important as their lifestyle has changed

• It is important for maintaining their status as the first Americans

• It is important for passing down family customs and traditions

• It is important for gaining wealth and power