Merrick students learn about native cultures

The Journeys into American Indian Territory program visited Levy Lakeside School on Jan. 26, giving fourth graders an interactive look into local Native American history.

Presenter Bob Vetter brought a moving museum of American Indian artifacts to the school as part of an authentic, curriculum-based learning experience. The program is sponsored by the school’s PTA.

He displayed items that explore the components of expressive culture of the Native Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands and Plains.

The presentation included the three basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter, and how the American Indians adapted to each need.

“Every culture has to come up with a way to provide or they don’t survive and aren’t able to pass on another generation,” he explained.

 American Indians were considered hunters and gatherers and assigned jobs to women and men for thousands of years.

“Women were collectors – or gatherers - and went in nature to find things to feed their families,” Vetter added, showing off various tools used.

Maple sap, berries and herbs were among the answers from students of what American Indians could forage during that time. He also explained the various uses of animals that were captured from hunters.

In addition to artifacts, students were able to twist wooden drills, which were used to make fire, touch animal furs that were used for warmth and use a corn stomper, which was used to turn seeds into food.

To supplement the lesson, students also created clay pinch pots in their classrooms. They learned how these handmade vessels were made solely for utilitarian purposes.