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Pioneer America: Journey West
Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. In this pioneer lesson plan, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write...
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Moving West
In this moving west worksheet, students complete a journal entry about why they would want to move west as a U.S. citizen during the 1800's. Students write it in the point of view of someone in the 1800's.
San Francisco Symphony
Going West
Now this sounds like a fun lesson! Youngsters learn about pioneer life and the Westward Movement. First, they listen to the Copland's "Appalachian Spring," and then they discuss the elements of music found in the piece. They get into...
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Moving West
Students research the Westward Movement and struggles encountered by the pioneers as they moved from Nebraska, Westward along the Oregon Trail. For this Westward Expansion lesson, students read an Oregon Trail poem and visit 5 different...
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Bud the Spud Moves West
As part of a unit on Canadian agriculture, this focuses on how potato farms have increased in the west. Pupils participate in a discussion about the impact of consumer demand on production, and then they read an article about potato...
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Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West
Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...
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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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Go West With Columbus
Students play a board game where their tokens must move Columbus west. They choose cards which give commands to move in a coordinate direction. They practice moving west, north, east, south by playing the game.
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How the West Was One - Three x Four
While this lesson provides a motivating and interesting way to review the concept of the order of operations, it involves the use of software called How the West Was One + Three x Four. There are also other resources that are referenced,...
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The American Revolution: Moving West and South
Students examine several letters to the editor from both a local newspaper and national newspapers. After reviewing current letters, they write a letter to the editor of an 18th-century newspaper expressing their opinion about the...
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Survival Challenge: Would You Make It?
Students face a challenge. In this survival lesson, students discover the hardships faced by the pioneers who moved west and see if they would survive a similar situation. They discuss essential items they need to survive and...
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African Americans and the Move West
Middle schoolers examine the phases of the migration west and analyze the incentives for African Americans to move.They create a timeline of migration to the west along with charts depicting the changes in demographics of areas at...
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Myths of the Wild West
Learners examine the Wild West as it was depicted in films and books. In groups, they compare this information to what it was really like as they find out in books. They also discover the role of the Native Americans in the Wild West...
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Moving West With Pioneers
Fifth graders read a book written by Laura Ingalls Wilder to examine the hardships that were endured by pioneers traveling during the Westward Expansion of the US. They predict, summarize and participate in literature circles. They visit...
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How the West was Won? Conflict and Change on the Western Frontier
Seventh graders assess the conflict and change that occurred in the westward expansion following the Civil War. They list specific reasons why different groups moved west and the interaction between the "white" European civilization and...
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The Old West
In this literacy activity, students look for the words that are related to the concept of the Old West. The skill of spelling is emphasized.
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The Wild, Wild West, or Was It?
Fifth graders explore the American West. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 5th graders examine the opportunities that the West offered American pioneers. Students watch a montage video and analyze primary documents regarding the topic.
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Who is Who in the Old West?
Students consider the backgrounds of those who settled the Old West. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students participate in a simulation that requires them to role play miners, ranchers, Native Americans, Chinese, African Americans,...
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West Virginia: Reading Comprehension
For this West Virginia reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and then respond to 10 true or false questions
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"West Side Story"
In this music history worksheet, students discover the musical "West Side Story" by first reading a summary of the plot. Students answer 5 questions about the story line. Students then read and analyze the lyrics to "America" and discuss...
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The American West: Knowledge Test
In this American West worksheet, students answer a total of 25 questions about The American West. Questions are short answer and "lists."
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Dangers of the West
Eighth graders explore the American West. In this Westward Expansion instructional activity, 8th graders examine primary sources to investigate the dangers travelling to and settling in the American West. Students design brochures that...
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The Wild, Wild West
Sixth graders research the history of the transcontinental railroad. They use advertising propaganda techniques to design and create a poster encouraging people to explore the West by rail.
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Sunken Millions: The Way West
Recover sunken treasure with this interactive PowerPoint! Break your class into two teams: the divers and the surfers. They'll work together to answer 20 multiple choice questions, reviewing major events that occurred during the 1800s....