Full STEAM Ahead: Native American Engineering

Native American Homes STEAM Engineering

Lesson Plan for 2nd Grade

Prepared by Mrs. Yandell

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

This is a collective of seven STEAM engineering challenges based on the homes of different American regions and tribes. Students will collaborate as engineers to complete this challenge.  

EDUCATION STANDARDS

1. 21st century Communication and Collaboration

OBJECTIVES

1. Become engineers for the day, and creatively design and build one of the structures out of limited supplies.

MATERIALS NEEDED

1. Toilet paper cardboard
2. Paper plates
3. Tooth picks
4. Popsicle sticks
5. Glue or Tape
6. Construction Paper
7. Straws
8. Coffee Filter

VERIFICATION

1. Students work well together and communicate well as they complete a challenge structure.
2. Students will identify various types of Native American homes, and be able to describe characteristics about each.
3. Become engineers for the day, and creatively design and build one of the structures out of limited supplies.

ACTIVITY

.

` Wigwam          Long House

Tipi Pueblo

Hogan Plank House

  Chickee

Native American Home Recap written by Jessica Yandell

What I love most about STEAM lessons is that they incorporate multi subjects across the existing curriculum.  In this lesson we brought social studies, engineering, and art together while learning about Native Americans.  Students were given a hands on experience to learn about different Native American homes, and had the opportunity to construct 3D models of one.  They were given limited materials, and had to work as a group to design and build this project.  I truly believe that students will retain learned information in a unique way when you provide them with integrated activities using their hands. STEAM activities like this provides our students with the collaboration skills they need to be able to complete group projects and tasks well.