U.S. History: Making a New Nation

Students explore Native American migration by tracing routes across North America, from the Bering Land Bridge to the Southwest and East Coast, while examining how different tribes adapted to their environments. Blending social studies with technology, students work in teams to build a physical map enhanced with LED lights and a micro:bit, programming sequences that simulate migration patterns. Through hands-on map-making, coding, and collaboration, students deepen their understanding of history while developing computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Core Content: Social Studies/STEM

• Grade Levels: 5th

• Time Required: two/three 50-minute class periods

• ME Career Connection: Students will be introduced to the history of our nation. They will also be introduced to micro:bits and use the  micro:bits hardware and some coding to highlight the path with LED lights of how they traveled. 

• Author: Kevan Graves