Right before Spring Break, our class studied Westward Expansion. Students learned about everything from Manifest Destiny to the Oregon Trail. From Lewis and Clark to the Trail of Tears and the Transcontinental Railroad. We had some great conversations about what pioneer life was like (most of us agreed it was too hard for us).
This topic was great because it allowed us to revisit several other concepts we've studied this year. For instance, we were able to look back to our study of immigration in the United States and remember how immigrants came to America and helped work to build the railroads. We also talked about another story we'd read about the inventor, Elijah McCoy, who made improvements to railroad travel. We were even able to revisit our study of landmarks and make the connection that the St. Louis Gateway Arch was built to remember the pioneers who set off for the West, starting in Independence, Missouri.
For the students though, the favorite part of this unit of study was definitely playing The Oregon Trail game online. Through the game, students are able to vicariously live the life of a pioneer out on the trail. Pretty soon, our class was full of conversations about who had gotten bitten by a snake or who had cholera on the trail and many kids were coming in before school for the chance to play the trail. During one rainy day recess, a group of kids even created a model of the Oregon Trail using small, colorful blocks. And, although it's hard to see from the picture below, one of my self-proclaimed DIY-girls even went home and made a replica covered-wagon, based on our discussions. I love their passion for learning.
This topic was great because it allowed us to revisit several other concepts we've studied this year. For instance, we were able to look back to our study of immigration in the United States and remember how immigrants came to America and helped work to build the railroads. We also talked about another story we'd read about the inventor, Elijah McCoy, who made improvements to railroad travel. We were even able to revisit our study of landmarks and make the connection that the St. Louis Gateway Arch was built to remember the pioneers who set off for the West, starting in Independence, Missouri.
For the students though, the favorite part of this unit of study was definitely playing The Oregon Trail game online. Through the game, students are able to vicariously live the life of a pioneer out on the trail. Pretty soon, our class was full of conversations about who had gotten bitten by a snake or who had cholera on the trail and many kids were coming in before school for the chance to play the trail. During one rainy day recess, a group of kids even created a model of the Oregon Trail using small, colorful blocks. And, although it's hard to see from the picture below, one of my self-proclaimed DIY-girls even went home and made a replica covered-wagon, based on our discussions. I love their passion for learning.
Standards Addressed in these Lessons