Investigating a Midwestern Wickiup

Discover the past through evidence from an archaeological site in Wisconsin! In this investigation students will use geography, history, archaeology, and rock art to learn about Midwestern wickiups and the Meskwaki people who lived in them. In the 1700s the Meswaki people moved south into Illinois and west of the Mississippi into Iowa. Examine historic photographs, artifacts, and maps of the Bell Site near Oshkosh, WI. Students meet Mr Johnathan Buffalo, a Meskwaki, through reading a biography and oral histories. Then they "uncover" a real archaeological site, classify artifacts, and infer how the geographic area of the Midwest shaped the wickiup. Explore the use of traditional wickiup architecture today and engage students in a debate on a current civic dilemma involving archaeology and preservation. Includes texts by and about a Meskwaki tribal member Supports Common Core State Standards Incorporates authentic data for students to analyze Instructions for the Teacher: The teacher’s document is 35 pages, consisting of background information and four sections corresponding with the student notebook. It includes a brief history of wickiups and the Meskwaki Tribe. Quadrant maps from the archaeological site, Bell Site in Wisconsin are provided for students to study and use. Student Archaeological Notebook: The student notebook is 39 pages of articles and activities about the Bell Wickiup Site. Mr. Johnathan Buffalo guides students through the investigation. Through archaeology, the study of historic photographs, and oral histories students learn about the importance of the wickiup in past and present communities. "The wickiup is our symbol. To me it means family safety, home" -Mr Johnathan Buffalo, Historical Preservation Department Director, Meskwaki Nation, Tama, IA "The Investigating Shelter: Investigating a Midwestern Wickiup unit will help ensure that Iowa students have an opportunity to learn of our area's past inhabitants, how they used natural resources, and the connections to today. Environmental Education must be part of our school curriculum to help students to be good stewards of our land and resources. The unit will give Iowa teachers the tools to do so now and many years in the future." - Diane Moritz, 5th/6th grade science and 5th grade language arts teacher, Wilton Elementary, Wilton, IA
Bonus! When you buy Investigating a Midwestern Wickiup, you will also receive the essential companion product: Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter.