Introduction
During the 1800's, people thought the West was very far away. Few people had traveled to that part of the country. The western part of North America belonged to foreign countries. Native Americans were living in the west when the settlers began to arrive. At first the Indians looked forward to trading and learning new things from the settlers. Many people moved and began to take up much of the farmland or fenced it. They also killed the buffalo and other animals for food and skins. As more people traveled west, the Native Americans traveled further west. This angered many Native Americans. As a result of this, pioneers faced attacks by several different tribes. People who traveled west faced many hardships. They had to walk 2,000 miles through deserts and travel over high mountains. They could only take food, blankets, and a few changes of clothing. The trip could take up to a year. People would face wild animals, blizzards, poisoned water, and starvation.
Task
We are gong on an imaginary trip west. Each person will work with a partner to research a specific person, place, or event related to the westward expansion. In addition, each individual will be responsible for five journal entries detailing what your imaginary trip was like. Each pair will research the assigned person, place, or event related to westward expansion. Each pair will complete the graphic organizer to answer the 5W's. Each cooperative pair will be responsible for completing a poster summarizing the information. This poster will include pictures that can printed from internet research. The links below will be used to research, in addition to books and encyclopedias.
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Northwest Ordinance Daniel Boone John Finley Cumberland Gap |
Thomas Jefferson Louisiana Purchase Lewis and Clark Sacajawea |
Andrew Jackson Indian Removal Act Trail of Tears |
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Stage Coach National Road The Erie Canal The Iron Horse |
Stephen F. Austin Davy Crockett The Alamo Sam Houston |
Chickasaw Trail Old Spanish Trail Santa Fe Trail Covered Wagons |
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Oregon Territory Oregon Trail Mormom Trail Bozeman Trail |
Fur Traders Trappers Mountain Men Freemont Expedition |
California Trail Sutter's Mill 1849 Gold Rush |
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Abraham Lincoln Transcontinental Railroad Pacific Railroad Act Railroads |
Chisholm Trail Railheads and Cowtowns Homestead Act |
Sodbusters Nicodemus, Ks. Henry Adams Exodusters |
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Buffalo Bill Jesse James Kit Carson Billy the Kid |
Property Rights Reservations Crazy Horse - Sitting Bull Battle of Little Big- Horn |
Pony Express Wells Fargo Donner Party |
Individual Project
Each person will be responsible for five journal entries detailing their trip west. Journal entries should include some of the problems you might face along the way. These may include sights you might see along the way, sickness for yourself or members of your party, weather conditions, rugged terrain, river crossings, or problems with Native Americans. The first entry should detail who you are, such as the mother, father, or child in the group. You will write from the perspective of that person. The journal entries should include:
Each individual will also be responsible for preparing a packing list. This should be an accurate account of what you can bring on the trip. Take into consideration space problems and how you will be traveling.
Resources
Problems on the trail- illness and stress
Conclusion
Students will have a deeper understanding of westward expansion and its place in history.
Page written by: Peter Yettru and Suzann Shaw , Grade 5 teacher and Special Education teacher, Oak Grove Elementary (WCSD)