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The Railroads: The First Transcontinental Railroad
The move West was greatly effected by the first transcontinental railroad. Present your class with well-organized information regarding major causes, players, and effects the railroad had on the face of an expanding America. Note: A...
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The Brief American Pageant: Manifest Destiny and its Legacy
Frame your lecture about Manifest Destiny around these maps, which portray the extended boundaries of various American territories in the 19th century. Campaigns of the Mexican War, and a map of the Spanish Missions on the West Coast are...
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From a New Nation to a Divided Nation
Quiz your students or prepare them for the big exam with this presentation. Included are 24 multiple choice questions related to Early American Government, The Colonial Period, Westward Expansion, and State Formation.
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The Election of 1844
Briefly detailing the goals and issues within the Polk election and presidency, this presentation can help your students to bridge their knowledge of American politics and issues prior to the Civil War. It includes photographs of Polk,...
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The People of Kansas: Where did they come from and why did they come?
Students review census data to correlate to emigration in Kansas. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students analyze a painting and create definitions for emigration and discuss why people emigrate. Students read and analyze 1855 census...
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Town Development
Students evaluate how the impact of building of towns affected slavery. In this United States History lesson plan, students work in small groups to construct a map, then they participate in a role-playing activity.
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Westward Expansion and the Frontier
Students explore U.S. history by researching a historic map. In this westward expansion lesson, students discuss the mystery of the western U.S. in the early 1800's and the impact expansion had on Native Americans and agriculture....
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Bison on the Plains
Fifth graders explore U.S. geography by reading assigned text about American Indians. In this migration lesson, 5th graders identify the differences between Native Americans and European settlers who traveled through middle America in...
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Getting the Point!
Learners explore the American cattle industry history. In this United States history and reading comprehension cross curriculum activity, students read an article about the history of longhorn cattle, then answer comprehension questions...
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Analysis of the Diary of Narcissa Whitman
Seventh graders explore the West through the eyes of a settler. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 7th graders read excerpts from the diary of Narcissa Whitman as she journeyed West from Pennsylvania. Students respond to critical...
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Frontier Forts
Seventh graders study frontier forts. For this Kansas history lesson, 7th graders research the history and conditions of Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott, Fort Riley, Fort Larned, and Fort Hays. Students write letters from the perspective of...
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What is Manifest Destiny
Eleventh graders explore the definition of 'Manifest Destiny' and its importance to Westward Expansion. In this U.S. History lesson, 11th graders work in small groups to write an essay that explains 'Manifest Destiny.'
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Free Land
Students investigate the impact of the passage of the Homestead Act. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students visit selected websites to examine the lives of Americans who settled the American frontier.
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Pioneer America: Legendary Westerners - Can One Person Really Make a Difference?
Fourth graders research famous Americans from the Westward Movement and complete an interview. In this Westward Movement instructional activity, 4th graders work in pairs to research someone who was important during this time period....
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Manifest Destiny
Learners explore the concept of Manifest Destiny. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students discuss the impact of Manifest Destiny on different groups of people who inhabited the West. Learners create journals about the topic.
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Mark Twain and the American West
Students analyze Mark Twain's "Western" voice. In this literature lesson, students read Roughing It by Twain and watch "The West." Students examine Twain's history and compare it to the history of America's developing West. Students...
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Westward Expansion (1807-1912)
In this online interactive history quiz activity, students respond to 46 multiple choice questions about Westward Expansion. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Westward Expansion (1807-1912)
In this online interactive history learning exercise, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about the Westward Expansion in the United States. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive learning exercise.
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Buying, Selling, and Trading in Antebellum South Carolina
Students research the role of general stores in the development of communities. For this South Carolina history lesson, students study the economic development of early U.S. communities. Students write essays and create advertisements...
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Westward Movement: Expansion or Encroachment?
Sixth graders create a portfolio of pictures and research primary resources to investigate if westward expansion was justified. In this westward expansion lesson plan, 6th graders discuss the effect the expansion had on Native American...
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U.S. Geography: The West
Students explore the national parks of the American West. In this geography skills lesson plan, students watch "U.S. Geography: The West," and examine print and Internet sources about the national parks found there. Students feature...
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Busting the Prairie: Planning a Homestead Community
Students research, design and advertise a homestead community. This is an extensive lesson with a variety of ativities and learning experiences.
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Into the Wild: Settling the South Carolina Backcountry
Eighth graders select their own plot of land in the Backcountry to settle in the 1700s in SC. Students first find a point for settlement and sketch out the best route from the Lowcountry to arrive at the point. They then draw out a...
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Transcontinental Railroad Web Quest
Students examine aspects of the Transcontinental Railroad. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students conduct a web-quest in order to gather information about the Transcontinental Railroad. Students will use their information to analyze...