Mound Builders Native American Mississippian Activity CSI Mystery of History

Explore the prehistoric Native American Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian cultures of the Eastern Woodlands, and learn about the mystery of the Mound Builders! This investigation resource celebrates Native American heritage, and promotes student engagement. Student detectives will try to crack the case of the Mound Builders through a crime scene investigation case file activity that encourages historical and creative thinking. Perfect for Native American Heritage Month or anytime of the year, this activity celebrates Indigenous history and makes history come to life!

A visually engaging case file with comprehensive background readings on the Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian cultures, Cahokia, and more is provided, along with leading theories about the motives of the Mound Builders. Student detectives will view supporting evidence and take detective notes on what they learn. They will then answer the reading comprehension response questions, complete a timeline activity, and draw their own hypothesis about the motives of the Mound Builders based on historical evidence and the theories in the case file! Two bonus letter writing extension activities are included as well.

This investigation activity can be used as a printable packet activity, or as an engaging stations classroom activity with groups! Teacher and student notes are provided, along with an answer key for the background reading comprehension activity.

This activity is designed to promote active learning and critical thinking skills, and have students think like historians. Students will practice making and justifying claims.

This activity is provided in both ready-to-print color and black and white versions.

This resource makes learning about the Mound Builders and Native American heritage highly engaging and is a great supplement, introduction, or reinforcement activity to any lesson!

You might also be interested in the Pueblo Native American CSI Activity!

Looking for more mystery of history CSI activities? Check out the Collapse of the Maya Civilization CSI Activity, Pompeii CSI Activity, Lost Colony of Roanoke CSI Activity, and the Death of King Tut CSI Activity!

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