Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.
Curated OER
Westward Ho
Middle schoolers examine primary sources regarding Western migration. In this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their...
Curated OER
The Settlers are Coming, but the Natives are Here
Students examine interactions between Native Americans and settlers. In this Westward Expansion activity, students participate in a classroom simulation and then write paper about how the Native Americans and settlers could keep...
Curated OER
From Salt Lake City toSingapore... Products of UtahTravel Worldwide
Seventh graders examine the products of Utah. In this economics lesson, 7th graders investigate the products grown and processed in Utah today and historically. Students explore the impact of the railroad on Utah's economy.
Curated OER
Archaeology Quiz 18
In this archaeology quiz instructional activity, students answer four multiple choice questions based on archaeology findings in Egypt. This is an interactive instructional activity.
Curated OER
Crossing the Oregon Trail
Students become familiar with the sacrifices that the migrants endured crossing the plains to the west. They experience some of the problem solving that the pioneers faced and pay the natural consequences of their choices.
Curated OER
Wagons West: Native Americans
Students examine interactions between Native Americans and settlers. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students analyze select passages from Plains Indians by Dana Newmann and The World of Native Americans by Marion Wood. Students...
Curated OER
History of the Americas: Causes of the Civil War
In this American Civil War learning exercise, students read assigned textbook pages about the causes of the war and then respond to 35 short answer questions about how the war began.
Channel Islands Film
Arlington Springs Man: Lesson Plan 4
West of the West's documentary Arlington Springs Man introduces viewers to the remarkable finds on Santa Rosa Island. Archaeologist have discovered on this small island that is part of the Channel island chain, human and pygmy mammoth...
Scholastic
Perfect Postcards: California
It's time to hear about some adventures in travel! The Transcontinental Railroad changed life and travel in the United States during the 1800s. Practicing online research skills, pupils discover the features they would like to visit on...
Curated OER
The Kanaka Village at Fort Vancouver: Crossroads of the Columbia River
Students study the interaction between Native American and European cultures in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s. They focus their study on the Hudson's Bay Company and Fort Vancouver.
Curated OER
How Secure is Social Security?
Students explore the Social Security System including its history, benefits, funds, problems, and its future.
Curated OER
Pioneering Children on the Move
Students inquire about life for pioneer children. In this pioneer period lesson plan, students analyze photographs of children, make information foldables, and create a covered wagon that was typical of the ones of the past. Students...
Curated OER
Evacuation: The Japanese Americans in World War II
Students examine Japanese internment camps of World War II. In this World War II lesson, students use primary and secondary sources to research the evacuation process and life within the internment camps. Students discuss the racial bias...
Curated OER
Establishing Borders: U.S. Expansion
Young scholars interpret historical maps and locate territories annexed by the United States in the 1840. In groups, they research the war with Mexico over Texas from both perspectives and answer on a worksheet about expansion.
Curated OER
Establishing Borders: The Expansion of the United States 1846-48
Learners investigate how the United States acquired land after the Revolutionary War ended. In this establishing borders lesson, students use maps to identify territories acquired by the US and the states that later developed. Learners...
Curated OER
Learning from history: can it save lives?
Young scholars research and document lessons learned from this disaster, then compile and synthesize information. They write effectively for public education purposes and use visual communications tools
Curated OER
Westward Ho-- With Multiple intelligences
Pupils acquire knowledge and literacy (through multiple intelligences) in social studies, language arts, science and math as we study the Oregon Trail. This type of lesson is strong in its attempt to be accessible to all learners.
Curated OER
Explosive Ideas!
Students explore the layers of the Earth and the dynamic changes that they cause on Earth's surface. Volcanoes and earthquakes become the focus of the lesson as the Oregon State quarter and its Crater Lake images are linked to the topic.
Curated OER
Only 48 Hours
Students compare and contrast experiences of Les Aigner in Hungary and Kennie Namba in Oregon in being forced to relocate to concentration camps during WWII, and explore personal and social effects of prejudice, discrimination,...
Curated OER
COLONIAL FLYERS/TRAVEL BROCHURES TO THE COLONIES
Students investigate concepts of history and geography in this lesson. They create travel brochures for travelers who are crossing the Atlantic Ocean to populate the colonies of early America. The brochure has topographical information...
Curated OER
Geography Crossword Puzzle
In this history worksheet, students answer nine questions concerning a variety of states and compass directions including north, south, east and west. Students complete a crossword puzzle.
Curated OER
Westward Expansion - Fur Trade
Students complete a unit of lessons to learn how products reach the market and study the history of the fur trade. In this history and trade lesson plan, students first learn about the technology that allowed products to reach market...
Curated OER
Analyzing Election Cartoons
Pupils are introduced to the history of political cartoons and examine both historical and modern examples. They analyze a cartoon that expresses an opinion about a current event different than their own and develop an original cartoon...