Sign_Of_Beaver

**//Sign of the Beaver//** A Webquest by Catherine Greenslade  **Introduction**  You have read __Sign of the Beaver__, the story of Matt, a colonial boy, left by his father in the wilderness to guard his new log home in Maine until he can return with the rest of Matt’s family from Massachusetts. An Indian chief and his grandson, Attean, befriend Matt. The boys are about the same age, and they slowly learn to like and respect each other, despite their differences. They have many adventures, but Attean’s clan decides to leave their village and move west to find new hunting grounds. The book leaves us with many questions. Matt wonders what happened to Attean and the Beaver clan? Did the Penobscot move west and join with other Native Americans, or did they remain their own people? Will Matt finally share all his adventures with his family? Will he tell his sister the Indian stories Attean told him and teach her the games he learned? What happened to Ben? Was he caught and have to pay for his dirty deed? Let’s explore __Sign of the Beaver__ further.

**Task** Using the Internet, you will search for facts about Native American and Colonial culture during the time our country was being settled. You are to complete each of the following activities in order, on your own. Some of the assignments have an accompanying worksheet. Print these, as you need them, making sure to keep your work organized in a folder that you have set aside for that purpose. (See your teacher for the folder.) Make sure you head each task with your name and number, along with the task’s title. Let’s get started.

Ben stole Matt’s rifle. His father had entrusted him with it, and it was his only means of hunting and getting food. Ben should pay for this! Help catch him by creating a wanted poster. You may use from Education World. If you would prefer, you may create the text and border and then draw the dastardly thief using colored pencils or markers. Be sure to check your book so that your description matches the varmint. Let’s get him!
 * 1.** **Thief!**

The village boys teach Matt some games. Visit the websites below and see if you can find the game that Matt played. Then read about other games that Native American children played. Follow the directions on the worksheet.
 * 2.** **Games and More Games**

Matt had no time for games while he was tending the cabin. He did make a cornhusk doll for his sister Sarah. Now that his family has arrived, he may have more time to play. List some colonial games you think they might enjoy. Native American Games History of Lacrosse Colonial Games

Attean has taught Matt effective ways to fish, hunt, and plant. His vegetables are ripe and he’s ready to feast. Attean’s grandmother has given him a few cooking tips, but there must be more you can do with corn, beans, and squash. Visit the cookbook and look over the delicious choices. Click on the “plants and vegetables” link. Select two recipes you and Matt might enjoy. Print them out and add them to your folder. Cookbook
 * 3. The Three Sisters**

Each Native American tribe has their own spoken language. Many of the tribes in the eastern part of North America speak a language that comes from the Algonquian language. Listen to words from the Lakota and Penobscot tribes. See if you can pronounce them. Print out the worksheet and follow the directions. Now you know how hard it was for Matt! Hear Popular Phrases Penobscot Phrases Days of the Week
 * 4.** **The Spoken Word**

Matt used __Robinson Crusoe__ to teach Attean to speak English. He also used stories from the Bible. Later, Attean shared some of his own stories. Native American culture is rich in tales and myths. These stories are passed along from generation to generation both to teach their children and to explain the wonders of nature and God. Remember when Matt read the story of Noah, and Attean told Matt the very old story of Gluskabe and the ducks? Did you notice the similarities?
 * 5.** **Storytellers**

Read at least three Native American tales from the list. Write down the three titles. Then, choose the one that you like the most. Retell it in you own words. Does this tale remind you of any other stories you have heard before? Include drawings to illustrate your tale. Native American Stories

Matt was invited to Attean’s village to celebrate the killing of the bear. Because it was a special event, Attean and his family dressed in their best clothing. Click on the Penobscot clothing links to see pictures of what they might have worn. Draw and color a picture of what you would have worn to the bear celebration. Penobscot Clothing
 * 6.** **Celebration!**

Use the following link and the knowledge gained from reading the book to help you answer this question in __paragraph form__. You **must** not copy any phrases of sentences from the website or the book! Attean’s clan lived in Maine. They decided to move to better hunting grounds where the white man would not bother them. What natural resources would be necessary for Attean’s clan to be successful in their new home and why? Include a map of Maine showing where the Penobscot Indians lived. More Information
 * 7.** **A Final Question**

**Conclusion** Now that you have completed the webquest, make sure you have all the necessary items in your __Sign of the Beaver__ folder by printing out the checklist. The checklist should be the first page in your folder!

**Rubric** You may print the grading rubric if you wish.