Chhot

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/chhot

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary construction material?Totora reeds (Schoenoplectus californicus tatora)
2. What is the associated indigenous group?The Uru (or Uros) people
3. How do the Uru people build a chhot?They gather tall reeds, bundle them into thick blocks, and lash the blocks together to make a buoyant mat. Then they add mud and soil on top so plants can grow.
4. Why do they keep adding new layers of reeds?The reeds that are underwater slowly break down, so new layers are added to keep the island light and floating.

Totora Reeds: A specific species of buoyant aquatic plant extensively utilized by the Uru for construction and other purposes.
Indigenous Adaptation: The process by which indigenous communities develop unique strategies and technologies to thrive in specific environments.