One in a series of Native American instructional materials, this booklet introduces elementary students to the history and culture of the Navajo, Pueblo, and other Indian tribes of the southwest desert. Written in simple language, the booklet provides background information, activities, legends, and illustrations. Topics include the climate of the region, farming and hunting activities, the economic importance of corn, religious practices, the southwest tribes' creation legend, the significance of kachinas, the function of the kiva, the use of sand paintings in Navajo healing ceremonies, the distinguishing features of the Navajo language, and the crafts at which desert Indians excelled (weaving, silversmithing, and pottery). Student activities include constructing a model pueblo (directions and patterns are provided); creating a painting to reflect the mood of the Navajo chant, "Beauty Way"; and mapping the locations of the 12 southwest tribes. Evaluation questions assess the students' ability to describe the culture of the desert culture area and compare it with the woodland, plains, and coastal Indian cultures covered by other booklets in this series. The text refers to films and books containing related information. (JH)