Region Builders Project Slides
Social Studies Inquiry & Diorama Project
Hands-On History Challenge
4 Cultural Regions • 4 Specialty Roles • 1 Collaborative Diorama
Native American
Regional Builders
Investigate how geography, natural resources, and traditions shaped diverse indigenous nations across North America—then construct your 3D regional diorama!
Northwest Coast
Cedar & Ocean
Eastern Woodlands
Forests & Rivers
Great Plains
Grasslands & Bison
Southwest
Mesas & Adobe
The 4 Regional Groups & Map
Locate your team’s cultural region on the map of North America
Slide 2 of 5
U.S. Cultural Regions 4 Assigned Groups
NORTHWEST COAST SOUTHWEST Pueblos & Mesas THE GREAT PLAINS Grasslands & Bison EASTERN WOODLANDS Forests & Longhouses N
1. Northwest Coast
Rainforests, Pacific salmon, cedar plank houses & totem poles.
2. Eastern Woodlands
Deciduous forests, birchbark canoes, wigwams, longhouses & 3 Sisters.
3. Great Plains
Vast open grasslands, bison herds, portable hide tipis & travois.
4. Southwest
Canyon mesas, clay adobe pueblos, desert canals, pottery & weaving.
Class Mission: Each regional group will build an authentic diorama depicting their land and people!
Specialty Roles in Each Team
Pair up! Choose 2 teammates for each critical focus area
Slide 3 of 5
Tools & Housing
2 People
Research shelter engineering (tipis, pueblos, longhouses, plank houses) and crafted stone/bone/wood tools.
Climate & Land
2 People
Explore seasonal weather, waterways, terrain, physical geography, and natural environmental adaptations.
Customs & Tribes
2 People
Discover specific regional tribes, ceremonies, cultural beliefs, leadership structures, art forms, and legends.
Food & Animals
2 People
Investigate native plants, agriculture, hunted wildlife, fishing methods, and animal species in the habitat.
8 Members per Regional Group (4 Pairs) Every student becomes a specialized researcher for their team!
Project Workflow: 3 Steps
From individual research to full team diorama construction
Slide 4 of 5
1
Read & Watch
• Read your textbook section.
• Fill out your notes page for your assigned topic.
• Watch the region video to gather extra details.
Specialty Pair Work
2
Group Share-Out
• Gather with your full 8-person regional team.
• Each pair teaches their focus area.
• All teammates write down notes on all 4 areas.
Team Knowledge Sharing
3
Build Diorama
• Design your 3D layout using class supplies.
• Model housing, terrain, food, and culture.
• Present your finished region to the class!
Hands-On Creation
Success Secret: The better your notes during the share-out, the more authentic and detailed your diorama will be!
Diorama Success Checklist
What every group needs to showcase in their 3D masterpiece
Slide 5 of 5
Must-Have Content
- Housing & Tools: Scaled shelter model (adobe, tipi, longhouse, plank house) + tools
- Environment: Accurate landforms (mesas, plains, ocean, forests) & waterways
- Tribes & Customs: Named regional tribes and cultural art or symbols
- Food & Wildlife: Native plants, crops, and habitat animals modeled
Craftsmanship & Teamwork
- Material Variety: Clay, natural sticks/stones, construction paper, recycled items
- Feature Labels: Clear, legible mini-labels for each major element
- Equal Team Effort: All 4 pairs contribute their section to the build
- Team Presentation: Prepared to explain your region to the class
🦅 Ready to Research, Collaborate, and Build Your Region! 🌲