Week 3

A Place-Based Research Assignment

As an in-depth research assignment for you or your students, we suggest you begin by looking at the map presented on the Research page and determine in whose homeland you now reside. This List of Tribal Groups/Geographical Areas will also help you in choosing a particular tribe that is or was native to your area that you would like to focus on for an extended historical study as you use this curriculum.

Ground your research first by looking at the geographical area for this tribe. Describe the specifics of its features, its natural resources and its geological history. What makes this area a coherent region? As you move through the different weekly topics in this curriculum, whether studying them chronologically or by focusing on issues and themes in a particular time period, keep your specific region and your chosen tribal group at the center of your learning.

We believe that when you thoroughly explore the history of one location in this manner, you will be able to transfer a deeper understanding of broader historical themes, wherever you look.

Helpful Tips for gathering information for your regional study of a tribal group and their homeland.

1. First, find a general map covering the region you are studying as a base map for use with the learning activities and weekly content we present on the website. Links are provided here for two user-friendly choices you can download and print: USGS Map or Patterson Map. Use the base map to add details pertinent to this regional area: landforms (small, large, important or key for you to remember), places of historical significance, historical trails or routes that might follow current roads, etc. Add new information to your base map as you continue your research. Use symbols, words and labels as suits your learning style.
2. Second, create a timeline with three tracks: one for the Northwest, one for the U.S., and one for the world.

These tools will help you make important connections between the regional contexts of historical events in your chosen area of research with the larger, national contexts as you study the content materials in this website.