Oklahoma Academic Standard 3. The student will analyze the human characteristics of the United States and how geography impacts historic events.  

Objective 3.1 Identify and describe early settlement patterns of regions in the United States.

 A.  Draw conclusions from maps to show how climate, vegetation, natural resources, and historic events affect the location and growth of settlements.

 B.  Identify major American Indian groups and their ways of life in each region, including economic activities, customs, and viewpoints on land usage and ownership. 

In a Nutshell

Students should explore the traditional ways of life of major American Indian groups in each region of the United States prior to the arrival of Europeans by examining how indigenous cultures adapted to and modified their environments. Students should also develop an understanding of the environmental challenges early non-Indians faced and how climate, availability of natural resources, and natural vegetation affected settlements, their location and their growth.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students in explaining the multiple causes and effects of climate and access to natural resources on the growth of human settlements.

• Provide resources and opportunities for students to compare, and analyze information between primary and secondary sources about the past and present.

• Explain how culture and economic actions can influence the ways indigenous people and early settlers modified and adapted to their environment. 

• Compare perspectives of individuals and groups during the same historical period to evaluate how the environment was used to support human growth and development.

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• indigenous use of natural resources prior to European interaction 

• patterns of settlement in relationship to natural resources and transportation

• Some students may have the misconception that all American Indian cultures are similar, neglecting to recognize differences based upon geographic conditions, such as climate and natural resources available in each region. 

Instructional Resources