Beads, metal, and calico fabric provide evidence of cultural exchange and interaction. Ask students to look for these materials and record the diversity of objects made from these resources. They should also record anything that interests or surprises them, including the creative ways in which these introduced materials were used.

Students can begin to think about Native American scientific inventions and techniques by studying objects in the Hall and asking:

  What do they think people needed to know about corn and other crops and soil for successful harvests?
  How were baskets on display made and what kinds of materials were used?
  How do the ways people live affect the design and construction of the houses they live in?

Observations and thoughts can be recorded in drawings as well as words.

Older students might consider how the Museum presents Native Americans in this Hall:

  What do you think about the exhibition?
  How is the exhibit space organized?
  What would you add? Change? Remove?
  Whose perspectives are being represented? What can and can't you learn from artifacts?