Paleo Indians were the first Indian groups to arrive in Alabama. They were nomadic because they had to move where there were animals to eat. Therefore, they did not have permanent homes and used caves for shelter. The Archaic Indians also moved around a lot and did not have permanent homes either. The Woodland Indians were the first group to cultivate crops. They were able to stay in one place for long periods of time and build homes. They had to use the materials available to them and build a home suitable to their environment. In this lesson you will discover how the Indians house design gives clues to the vegetation and climate of their environment.
 

Part One-Building Materials

The Little Pigs

Click on the link above and read the story of the Three Little Pigs and answer the following questions: 1.What building materials did each of the pigs use? 2.How did the building materials affect the     pigs     their lives     the wolf

 

Part Two-Natural Resources and Climate

	Landcover Characteristics   Woodland/Forest      Grassland     Shrubland
Study the map above to determine what building materials would have been available for the Native Americans to use in each region of the United States. Then decide what type of climate would have been necessary to produce these types of vegetation.

 

Design of  Homes

Study the houses and look for clues about the region the house was built. Be sure to notice roofs, windows, and fireplaces.

 

Design of Native American Homes

Study each Native American home and using your knowledge of building materials and house design, determine the temperature and precipitation of the region that the house is found in.

 

Identify the Native American home found in each region.      Check your answers.

Take a quiz and  practice what you learned.
 

Other sites to visit to learn more:
Native American Settlements
Native Pre-Contact
Indian Homes

Lesson Plan