Mrs. Walker 4 th Grade 4 th Grade

  Origins  Habitat  Nomadic  Paleo-Indians  Archaic Indians  Mound Builders Vocabulary

 Many scientists believe that Native Americans came to North America along a land bridge that extended across the Bering Strait. Origins: Ice Age Now Asia North America

  During the last Ice Age, sea levels were lower because some of the world’s ocean water was frozen in glaciers.  The exposed ocean floor between Siberia and Alaska made it possible to migrate to the new world.  The earliest Native Americans are believed to be descendants of Asians who traveled from Siberia to North America on foot across this land bridge.  Some Native Americans do not believe the scientific ideas about their origins and believe that their ancestors originated in the Americas.  Origin – the source or starting point of something. Origins:

 Native American Regions Over thousands of years, different cultures developed in the Arctic, Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Northeast and Southeast.

 Their habitat often influenced how they lived. What materials were used to build shelters What food they ate What type of clothes they wore  Habitat – the natural surroundings.  Tribes that lived on good farmland established permanent settlements.  Other tribes lived nomadic lifestyles.  Nomadic – a way of life in which groups move from place to place, often following herds or migrating birds.

  The prehistoric nomads of Tennessee are called Paleo-Indians. Most Paleo-Indians were cave dwellers. Many ancient hooks and spearheads have been found in caves across the state. Ancient People of TN

  The next group of Native Americans to move into Tennessee are called Archaic Indians. The Archaic Indians developed a better spear and threw their spears with a hand held device called an atlatl ( ˈ ät- ˌ lä-t ə l). Ancient People of TN

  After 2,000 BC, some Native American groups began to build permanent settlements.  People worked together to clear land, plant crops, and build places of worship.  Their homes had log frames and dried clay walls  These settlements had rulers and governing bodies.  Archaeologist call this era the Mississippian period. Ancient People of TN

 Mississippi Mound Builders  Native Americans from the Mississippian period built massive earth mounds.  These groups are known today as the Mississippi Mound Builders.

  Mound Builders lived in the eastern woodlands along the Mississippi River.  Mounds were built to bury their dead.  Other items that have been found in mounds are spears, jewelry, and pottery. Mississippi Mound Builders

 Focus Questions: During the Mississippian period, Native Americans built a.Caves b.Mud homes c.Mounds d.Log Cabins

 Focus Questions: Where did Paleo-Indians in Tennessee live? a.Log cabins b.Caves c.Earth Lodges d.Dougouts