Unit 1: Native AmericansVocabulary Review

Glacier

A huge, thick sheet of slowly moving ice.

During the Ice Age, glaciers covered almost half of the world!!!

Migration

The movement from one region to another

During the winter months, many birds will migrate to the south where the climate is warmer.

Agriculture

Farming, or growing plants Many Native Americans depended on agriculture to survive.

Civilization

A group of people living together who have the same systems of government, religion, and culture.

The civilization of many Native Americans depends on the natural resources that are available to them.

Surplus

Extra, having more than enough

Since we got a surplus of candy on Halloween, my mother made me give some away.

Potlatch

A large feast that could last for several days

The Nez Perce would celebrate important events by having potlatches.

Clan

A group of related families

The Jackson clan made lots of money performing and singing songs across the country.

Irrigation

A way of supplying water to crops with streams, ditches, or pipes

Since there was little rain in the southwest, many Southwest Indians used irrigation to grow their crops.

Pueblo

Southwestern native community that built their homes from claySince there was a scarce supply of wood, the Hopi built their pueblos out of clay.

staple

A main crop that is used for food

Corn was a staple crop for the Hopi tribe.

Ceremony

A special event at which people gather to express important beliefsSince they lived in an area of dry climate, the Hopi tribe would often hold special ceremonies to pray for rain.

lodge

A home made out of bark, earth, and grassThe Plain Indians built lodges out of the resources available to them.

Nomad

A person who moves around and does not live in a permanent villageThe Western Plains Indians were nomads because they moved around and followed buffalo to kill for food.

travois

A Sled used by nomads to help them bring their belongings with them when they traveledSince the Plains Indians were always moving, they used travois to carry their belongings.

longhouse

A large house made of wood poles and barkMany tribes in the eastern united states lived in longhouses because they were surrounded by trees from the forest.

Barter

To trade using goods, instead of money

Many Native Americans bartered for goods they did not have.