Interactive

Evaluating Perspectives on Westward Expansion

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Evaluating Perspectives on Westward Expansion interactive also includes:

Although popular culture tells the story of the American West simplistically, its reality is far more complex. Native American tribes—while already on the land—didn't have the same interests, and conflicts between white settlers and indigenous people were complex. Using primary source documents, such as pictures from Native American boarding schools and advertisements for land, young scholars evaluate these points of view to determine the legacy of Manifest Destiny with an interactive Internet feature.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use the activity as a capstone discussion prompt following a unit on the American West
  • Offer the lesson to introduce concepts for a unit on Native Americans and the American West
Classroom Considerations
  • Learners need access to the Internet to complete the lesson
Pros
  • Primary sources offer a breadth of perspectives
  • Writing prompts encourage deep engagement and critical thinking around primary sources
Cons
  • None