Heritage: Petroglyphs and the Stories They Tell

Summary

In their study of the Native Americans of Utah, students will create a story using petroglyphs and share their ideas through a picture story.

Materials

• General classroom supplies
• examples of petroglyphs

Background for Teachers

Students will understand American Indian art forms and their methods of communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will create a story using petroglyphs and share their ideas through a picture story.

Instructional Procedures

Students are shown pictures,other students' works, or videos that show examples of Native American petroglyphs or picture stories. Have students brainstorm the possible purposes of the petroglyphs and explain that they will create their own picture story. Review the Four Essential Questions. Introduce story petroglyphs by showing students examples of story petroglyphs on an overhead. Teachers could also show examples from sites from the Internet. Two Internet sites are included. Review picture stories by showing three past examples of student's or teacher's work. Students will create their own picture story. Student's work should tell a story. Guide individual students as they develop picture stories. Close the lesson by trading picture stories with another student and having that student translate the picture. Display student's picture stories.

Extensions

Field trip to Fremont Indian State Park or visit other locations and see petroglyphs first-hand. Guest speaker from university, high school, parent or a Native American could explain petroglyphs to the students.

Assessment Plan

Trade picture stories with another student and have that student translate the picture.