The Task
Native Americans have inhabited Arizona for 400 generations. Since their arrival some tribes have migrated and a few have mysteriously disappeared. In analyzing the Sinagua and Navajo Indians you will gain an understanding of two different cultures. Through exploring and researching(ceremonies, homes, jewelry) you will identify specific characteristics and customs of an ancient and modern Indian tribe. In conclusion through a comparison and contrast paragraph you will evaluate the unique aspects of each tribe and possibly predict reasons of a tribes migration or disappearance.
You will:
The Process
1. Decide how you are going to collect your information and notes. Record the information in a notebook, or divide a piece of paper in half logging notes seperately for each tribe.
2. Collect research on each tribe by responding to the following questions and see resource sites provided.
3. In your notebook, keep track of each tribes characteristics and responses to specific questions.
4. Write a summary on each tribe using your notes and research. Include information that is related to the questions you answered.
5. Create a Navajo rug design or create a model of one tribes home. Consider these questions.
6. Using the information you gained from the notes and research, create a database that includes the two tribes and at least 4 categories (homes, food, jewelry, ceremonies) of your choice. This will be used as a prewriting aid for your comparison and contrast paragraph.
7. Based on your notes, research, summaries, and database write a comparison and contrast paragraph on the Sinagua and Navajo. Make sure that you have a topic sentence, related information and a concluding sentence that either restates your topic sentence or concludes your paragraph.
8. Write a hypothesis or explanation of how tribes adapted to survive or why they may not have survived. Hypothesis how their surroundings may have been helpful or hinder a specific tribe. Also include if you agree or disagree with the efforts being made in preserving these tribes.
Questions and Resources
Listed below are some questions that may relate to the Sinagua or the Navajo tribes. These questions will help direct you to useful information needed to create your summary, database, and comparison and contrast paragraph. Some questions may have additional links that you may view art, jewelry, and other specific characteristics to the tribes. Most of these links will contain information that will answer specific questions in your research.
Who were the Native Americans? Click here.
What is maize (MA-HIZ) and how did it grow? What was prepared with maize? Why was it valuable? Click here to learn about maize.
What climates were the Southwestern Indians exposed to? What was the land like? Were there animals? If so, what kinds? How did the Indians get their food? Click here for facts on Southwestern Indians.
Who are the Navajo Indians? Click here for background on the culture.
Where did the Navajo Indians migrate from and with whom did they originate with? Click here.
What do the Navajo Indians make and use their sandpaintings for? Click here to view sandpaintings.
What is unique about the Navajo paintings? To see examples of Navajo artwork click here.
What kind of doll does the Navajo Indians make? Click here to see Navajo dolls.
What do the dolls represent? Click here to see Navajo dolls.
How do they make the dolls? Click here to see Navajo dolls.
Navajo Indians were known for their silversmithing. What types of natural resources did they use in making jewelry? Click here to see Navajo earrings. Click here to see Bracelets. Click here to see pendants. Click here to see Navajo rings. Click here for Turquoise.
How do the American Indians make pottery? Click here to see pottery.
What are the purposes for the the pottery? Click here to see pottery.
What are some designs that you might find on the pottery. Click here to see pottery.
Navajo Indians are also known for their woven rugs. Who makes these rugs? How are they made? How long do they take to make? How is the tradition passed on? Click here to see Navajo rugs.
Where did the era of the weavings begin? Click here to find information.
What are the Navajo-Churro and why are they important? Click here for the churro.
Why would a culture disappear? How is a culture created? Click here to see legends.
What would we learn from reading literature from the Navajo People? Click here to see Dine(Navajo) literature. Click here to read a myth.
Are the Navajo Indians religious? Who performs their ceremonies? Click here.
What are the ceremonies like and how many do they have? Click here to learn about ceremonies.
What is the Blessingway and who usually participates? Click here for Blessingway.
Where are the Navajo Indians located in present day? What region? What towns are near Navajo land. Click here to see map.
What type of home or shelter do the Navajo Indians live in? Click here to see a home. Click here for more on homes.
What are two Indian ruins that were built by the Navajo Indian's ancestors? Click here to see ruins.
Where could I go to see two ruins tied to the Navajo Indians or find out information on the ruins? Click here to get information on two ruins.
Who are the Sinagua? How many groups of Sinagua were there? What were they called? Click here to find more background. Click here for more information.
Where is the word Sinagua derived from and what does it mean? Click here for meaning.
Where were the Sinagua Indians located. Click here to see map. Where would that location be today? Click here to find the present locations.
Where did the Southern Sinagua live and and for how long? Click here for information.
What were the homes of the sinagua made with and what were they called? When were the pueblos built? Click here for information on the homes. Click here for Tuzigoot.
Where would I go to see a Sinagua Ruin? Click here to see ruin. Where are Sinagua ruins located? Click here. More ruin sites. Click Tuzigoot. Click Walnut Canyon. Click Wupatki.
To see cliff dwellings at Palatki Click here.
What is the type of environmental habitat of the Sinagua Indians? Describe area in which they lived. Click here to see environment. To see additional information click here.
What type of animals and vegetation would you find? Click here for information.
What did the rock art represent and what material did they use to make them? Click here for rock art.
What type of art did the Sinagua have? Click here for artwork.
What did the Sinagua do for food? Click here for the Sinagua diet.
What did their pottery look like? Click here for pottery.
Who did the Sinagua adopt their pottery styles from? Click here to see where pottery came from.
The Sinagua led a simple life and were known as dry farmers, hunters, and gatherers. Where do you think they got their water for their crops? To see irrigation methods Click here.
Textbook Arizona!, Wagoner pages 38-39, 44-48 ALSO SEE maps pages 31&42
Evaluation
Use the following questions to evaluate the quality of your work.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Through this web quest you have learned about two different cultures and gained a better understanding of their specific characteristics and customs. Through your evaluations you have seen that ancient and modern tribes may have certain aspects in common and some that are truly unique. What do you feel these two tribes have in common? What do you feel that is different about these two tribes? How do you fel these tribes have changed over time? Why do you think that the Sinagua disappeared and the Navajo are still here today?
Extension
Write a letter to an Indian Reservation or National Monument Park and find out how they maintain the ruin structures. How much does it cost to run and maintain the ruins? What if anything are they doing with artifacts found today? What are they doing to preserve ancient artifacts? Are they continuing research and archeological sites? What are the laws for our Reservations and National Parks that contain these treasures?