THOMASVILLE — Fourth graders at Brookwood School recently completed a unit of study on Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. Students studied possible explanations of how they came to live in the Americas, how they lived, and how the environment affected them. 

Afterwards, students were divided into groups and assigned one of the following tribes: Wampanoag, Aztec, Sioux, Pueblo, Nez Perce, Comanche, Seminole, and Inuit. 

“This Native American project provided the children with the opportunity to learn important research skills in the library, practice their sewing skills during their technology class, and develop crucial team building skills in the classroom,” said fourth grade teacher Mrs. April Collins.

The groups researched their tribe for important information such as what type of government they had, natural resources they used, challenges they faced, the geography of their homelands, and other fun facts. Engaging presentations were then constructed to display their findings. Students also made tribe-specific artifacts such as shelters, clothing, weapons, tools, and various types of housing. 

Research was presented at the Native American Museum to family and friends; groups stood by their displays to present on their tribes and were able to field questions posed by their guests. 

“The students also enjoyed presenting their projects to an audience ranging from 4-year-olds to adults. It was a great opportunity to practice speaking publicly as well,” said Mrs. Collins.