For this lesson, fifth-graders can study any tribe that the class is learning about, focusing on the culture and traditions within the tribe. Have students discuss what culture is -- traditions, attitudes, beliefs, religion, foods and dress. Have them make a list of the cultural identities that make up the tribe. Then ask students to think about their own culture and make a similar list. The class should discuss how the two compare and contrast.
Pourquoi tales are native American stories that tell why something or someone is the way it is. These tales usually revolve around nature. Choose a variety of these stories and have students read them in groups. Ask them to discuss the story elements and how they are similar to one another. Then ask students to discuss stories from their own culture that could be considered a pourquoi tale. You could also ask students to write their own pourquoi tales that relate to their life and culture.
Ask students to brainstorm everything they know about native Americans in their geographical area -- who they were, how they lived and their general history. Discuss the fact that native Americans are largely seen as a vanished people, although this is not necessarily true. Depending on your location, you can show students websites, books and other information about how native Americans are still very much alive in the community.
This activity asks students to compare different native American groups. It is best to choose groups that live in different environments, perhaps from different states. You can break students into groups and give them each a tribe to research, focusing on how their environment affected their lifestyles. Once the students have a good idea of their individual native American groups, they can compare them to the others. Students can focus on clothing, diet and housing, which may vary greatly, depending on the environment.