The fourth and fifth grades of Riverbend have been studying Native Americans.  The fourth grades study the tribes of North Carolina and the fifth grade classes investigate the tribes of the Americas.  As a culminating activity, Riverbend held its 14th annual Trading Post.  Students in kindergarten through third grade will participate in trading with the fourth and fifth grade students.  Fourth and fifth grade students have collected things from nature and created craft items to trade within the school.  The purpose of the activity is to demonstrate the way goods were acquired by Native Americans and exchanged between native peoples.  The activity also helps to demonstrate how archaeologists determine why the appearance of materials foreign to the area where various tribes inhabited.  For example, shells of saltwater animals have been found in the mountain region and arrowheads made from rock not native to the area.  The students are able to see how the goods they have brought in to school travel around to other students and come back again.

Photos courtesy of Riverbend Elementary

Tags: Riverbend Elementary