Investigating a Pawnee Earthlodge

Examine historic photographs, artifacts, and maps of a Pawnee Earthlodge located in Kansas. Students meet Warren Pratt, a Pawnee tribal member, through reading a biography and oral histories. They then "uncover" a real archaeological site, classify artifacts, and infer how the geographic area of the Central Plains shaped the earthlodge. Explore the use of traditional earthlodge architecture today. Includes text by and about a Pawnee tribal member Supports Common Core State Standards Incorporates authentic data for students to analyze Instructions for the Teacher: The teacher’s document is 23 pages, consisting of background information and four sections corresponding with the student notebook. It includes a brief history of the Pawnee Tribe. Quadrant maps from the archaeological site are provided for students to study and use. Student Archaeological Notebook: The student notebook is 25 pages of articles and activities about the Pawnee Earthlodge. Mr. Warren Pratt guides students through the investigation. Through archaeology, the study of historic photographs, and oral histories students learn about the importance of the earthlodge in past and present communities. "The earthlodge was a house, but it was also a special place." - Mr. Warren Pratt, Pawnee Tribal Member "By using Investigating the Pawnee Earthlodge I feel students are forced to train their brains to question the world around them. This program lends itself to teaching students how to dig deeper and question new and different things. The thing I like best is that there really isn't an answer to some of the questions; it is left up to interpretation... it is good for students to think deeply about a culture, time frame, artifact, etc. and to be rewarded by knowing they gave it their all and used all the evidence that they could to come out with a result." - 4th grade teacher, Overland Park
Bonus! When you buy Investigating a Pawnee Earthlodge, you will also receive the essential companion product: Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter.