Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 5Chapter 1: The Land and People Before Columbus

Lesson 4: How Did the Great Plains Influence the Traditions of the People Living There?

In this Grade 5 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies Chapter 1, students explore how the geography of the Great Plains shaped the culture and daily life of Native peoples, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Pawnee. Students learn how Plains Indians relied on buffalo for food, shelter, and spiritual practice, and how the introduction of horses transformed their nomadic lifestyle. The lesson also covers the roles of men, women, and children within Plains communities and the use of teepees and lodges as homes.

Section 1

Plains Peoples Adapt to Their Environment

Key Idea

The environment of the Great Plains shaped how Native Americans lived. This huge area of flat grasslands had tough soil and not much rain, which made it difficult to farm.

Because farming was difficult, people adapted by hunting. The plains were home to millions of bison, also known as buffalo. These animals became the main source of food and materials for Plains peoples. Their cultures centered on following and hunting the great buffalo herds.

Section 2

Plains Peoples Depended on the Buffalo

Key Idea

For many Plains peoples, the bison, also called the buffalo, was the most important resource for survival. Life revolved around hunting these large animals as they moved across the vast grasslands.

The buffalo provided nearly everything people needed. Its meat was a primary source of food. Its hide was used to make clothing and the coverings for cone-shaped homes called teepees.

Section 3

Plains Peoples Developed Different Lifestyles

Key Idea

Life on the Great Plains depended on the buffalo herds. To follow these animals, many Native American groups were nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place. They built homes called teepees from buffalo hides and wooden poles. Teepees were easy to take down and set up, which was perfect for a life on the move.

Other groups on the Plains lived a more settled life. These peoples often built villages near rivers, where they could also farm. Instead of teepees, they constructed sturdy, permanent homes called earth lodges.

Section 4

Horses Transform Life on the Plains

Key Idea

Before the 1500s, Plains people traveled on foot. They used dogs to pull a special sled called a hupak’in to move their belongings. When Spanish explorers brought horses to North America, it completely changed life on the Great Plains.

Horses made hunting buffalo much faster and safer. Hunters on horseback could easily follow the herds. Families could also travel greater distances, carrying more belongings than ever before.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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Section 1

Plains Peoples Adapt to Their Environment

Key Idea

The environment of the Great Plains shaped how Native Americans lived. This huge area of flat grasslands had tough soil and not much rain, which made it difficult to farm.

Because farming was difficult, people adapted by hunting. The plains were home to millions of bison, also known as buffalo. These animals became the main source of food and materials for Plains peoples. Their cultures centered on following and hunting the great buffalo herds.

Section 2

Plains Peoples Depended on the Buffalo

Key Idea

For many Plains peoples, the bison, also called the buffalo, was the most important resource for survival. Life revolved around hunting these large animals as they moved across the vast grasslands.

The buffalo provided nearly everything people needed. Its meat was a primary source of food. Its hide was used to make clothing and the coverings for cone-shaped homes called teepees.

Section 3

Plains Peoples Developed Different Lifestyles

Key Idea

Life on the Great Plains depended on the buffalo herds. To follow these animals, many Native American groups were nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place. They built homes called teepees from buffalo hides and wooden poles. Teepees were easy to take down and set up, which was perfect for a life on the move.

Other groups on the Plains lived a more settled life. These peoples often built villages near rivers, where they could also farm. Instead of teepees, they constructed sturdy, permanent homes called earth lodges.

Section 4

Horses Transform Life on the Plains

Key Idea

Before the 1500s, Plains people traveled on foot. They used dogs to pull a special sled called a hupak’in to move their belongings. When Spanish explorers brought horses to North America, it completely changed life on the Great Plains.

Horses made hunting buffalo much faster and safer. Hunters on horseback could easily follow the herds. Families could also travel greater distances, carrying more belongings than ever before.