Extension Activities
Make Your Own Native American Strategy Game
Picaria, a Native American Game
From the book Math Games from Around the World.
It starts with an 8 inch square box. Then draw a + at 4 inches. Then divide each 4 inch box with an x. Mark each intersection with a dot. Each player needs 6 markers in different shapes or colors. We used glass beads that we had around. The game is basically an advanced tic-tac-toe. Each player tries to get three dots in a row by placing one marker down at a time. The center dot cannot be played until all markers are played. After all markers are down the pieces can be slid from dot to dot. No jumping allowed.
Description and picture from http://thelittletravelers.typepad.com/the_little_travelers/2009/01/picaria.html
From the book Math Games from Around the World.
It starts with an 8 inch square box. Then draw a + at 4 inches. Then divide each 4 inch box with an x. Mark each intersection with a dot. Each player needs 6 markers in different shapes or colors. We used glass beads that we had around. The game is basically an advanced tic-tac-toe. Each player tries to get three dots in a row by placing one marker down at a time. The center dot cannot be played until all markers are played. After all markers are down the pieces can be slid from dot to dot. No jumping allowed.
Description and picture from http://thelittletravelers.typepad.com/the_little_travelers/2009/01/picaria.html
Traditional Economics and the Inuit
The Inuit people of northern Canada provide an example of a traditional economy. For thousands of years, Inuit parents have taught their children the survival skills needed to survive in the Arctic Circle's severe climate. Students will research the Inuit economy and compare and contrast it with the United States' market economy.
Mathematics with Native American Tepees
Imagine yourself on the plains of Montana in 1700. You are an American Indian. This fall you are following the American Bison. The bison is linked to your survival. This noble beast provides warmth, shelter, food, decoration, and tools. Late at night this hunted beast also provides you with tales and memories of hunts to share around a campfire.
How can your people live with the uncertain challenges of a rugged climate as they follow the game across the west? One key to that survival was the tepee (also spelled teepee or tipi). This honored structure provided protection from heat and cold and allowed proud hunting bands the chance to live a lifestyle that measures time and distances in days and moons.
This ILAP investigates the tipi of the plains Indians. You will reflect, plan, and consider designs for building tipis. Once done you will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the architecture, design, lifestyle and cultural significance of the tipi in the American culture.
How can your people live with the uncertain challenges of a rugged climate as they follow the game across the west? One key to that survival was the tepee (also spelled teepee or tipi). This honored structure provided protection from heat and cold and allowed proud hunting bands the chance to live a lifestyle that measures time and distances in days and moons.
This ILAP investigates the tipi of the plains Indians. You will reflect, plan, and consider designs for building tipis. Once done you will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the architecture, design, lifestyle and cultural significance of the tipi in the American culture.
Learning about Native Americans Through Math, Science, and Art
One Example: Patterns and Geometry
Marilyn Burns states, “The ability to recognize patterns is the key to mathematical thinking. Patterns are basic to the understanding of all concepts in mathematics. Searching for patterns is a way of thinking that is essential for making generalizations, seeing relationships, and understanding the logic and order of mathematics” (Burns,112).
In our study of Pueblo art, we will look for, describe, copy, and create patterns as found on pottery and jewelry. Primary students will begin to use vocabulary such as line, curve, angle, reflection and symmetry to discuss objects in their environment. We’ll also be looking at some of the concepts described in the Geometry section of this information. Middle and high school students could extend this study to include angle measurements, a variety of symmetries, spheres and their properties, distortions based on curves, and fractals. There are many geometric designs found on the pottery of the Anasazi and Zuni, as well as that of all Pueblo tribes.
Marilyn Burns states, “The ability to recognize patterns is the key to mathematical thinking. Patterns are basic to the understanding of all concepts in mathematics. Searching for patterns is a way of thinking that is essential for making generalizations, seeing relationships, and understanding the logic and order of mathematics” (Burns,112).
In our study of Pueblo art, we will look for, describe, copy, and create patterns as found on pottery and jewelry. Primary students will begin to use vocabulary such as line, curve, angle, reflection and symmetry to discuss objects in their environment. We’ll also be looking at some of the concepts described in the Geometry section of this information. Middle and high school students could extend this study to include angle measurements, a variety of symmetries, spheres and their properties, distortions based on curves, and fractals. There are many geometric designs found on the pottery of the Anasazi and Zuni, as well as that of all Pueblo tribes.