What Were the
BEADS For?
Student
Activity Number Two 
Introduction
Okay, so we use beads nowadays for mostly decoration and
jewelry, right? Would you believe that beads were used on the Lewis
and Clark Expedition like money is used today? Did you know that
the members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition almost starved because they
didn't bring enough of the right kind of bead to trade? This lesson
will take you to three sites that explore a special kind of bead used on
the Expedition called Wampum. You will also see some pictures of
different trade beads, learn their names and myths about them. Last,
you will see the different beads that Lewis and Clark took on their journey.
The Task
Site One
With a partner,
-
Go to Wampum
-
Read about Wampum
-
Now, referring to the information you have just read, use
the 11x18 construction paper to make a Venn Diagram comparing Wampum with
our U.S. money of today.
-
You should have at least eight items in each of the three
Venn Diagram areas.
(Remember, you won't see the actual pictures but you can use the written
descriptions to create a picture.)
Site Two
With a partner,
-
Go to Misnames
and Myths
-
Explore the following links, Russian Bead, Lewis and Clark
Beads, French Ambassador Bead, and the Hubble Bead.
-
Pay special attention to how all the beads have their own
different look.
-
Now pretend that you have been hired to create the newest
U.S. Bead as a form of money. Use paper from your teacher, crayons,
pastels, and/or pencils to draw this special Bead for our country.
How You Will Be Assessed
-
Neatness Counts!
-
Effort should show through in the detail of the Venn Diagram
(at least 8 in each circle) and the bead for our country. (ie. colors,
design, etc.)
Activity 1 / Activity
3
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