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Lesson Plan
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The Trial of Standing Bear

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate the story of Standing Bear and his people as they defied the U.S. Governemt and returned to their homes in Omaha. Their arrest was followed by a trial which the Ponca people won.
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Lesson Plan
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Heritage: Famous People of the West

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the impact of Brigham Young and Jim Bridger on westward expansion. They conduct research, develop a class information chart, and create a cartoon strip depicting what happened when Jim Bridger and Brigham Young...
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Lesson Plan
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The People of Kansas: Where Did They Come From and Why Did They Come?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils research and discuss the reasons why early settlers emigrated to Kansas. They, in groups, analyze census district reports from the 1850's and then identify the advantages and disadvantages of using this information as research.
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Lesson Plan
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Westward Expansion Unit

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the importance of Westward Expansion in the history of the United States in this unit of lessons.
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Lesson Plan
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The Western Migration Lesson Plan

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students examine the western migration in the United States in the early 19th century and identify the factors that caused the migration as well as how government adapted to meet the needs of an expanding country.
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Lesson Plan
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African Americans and the Move West

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students 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 selected...
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Lesson Plan
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Uncle Sam is Rich Enough to Give Us All a Farm:

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine websites and video clips to become familiar with tenets of the Homestead Act, challenges faced by settlers and misconceptions about settlers. They role-play colonists on the Planet XR-38 and make choices similar to...
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Lesson Plan
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The West in Brochures

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars explore the daily life of the American Cowboy in the 1800's and compare it to the life of the Native Americans.
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Lesson Plan
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Values and Beliefs of Manifest Destiny

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the beliefs of Manifest Destiny and its role in the California Gold Rush. They analyze a painting to gather information about Manifest Destiny.
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Lesson Plan
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Cultural Lit. 19: Old Spanish Trail & Native Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Old Spanish Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.
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Lesson Plan
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Cultural Lit. 18: The Oregon Trail & Native Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Oregon Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.
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Lesson Plan
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The Mormon Trail and Native Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders identify the American Indian tribes who lived in the lands that the Mormon Trail went through. They investigate and describe the impact of western expansion on the American Indians.
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Lesson Plan
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Western Expansion and Native Americans

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research the Oregon, Old Spanish, California, and Mormon trails, and the impact western expansion had on the Native Americans living on those lands.
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Lesson Plan
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Young scholars demonstrate understanding of the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to Northwest, and the Mexican-American War. Students understand national foreign policy.
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Lesson Plan
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Making a Brand for Ourselves the "Cowboy" Way

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the history of Utah. Students explore westward expansion and the importance of ranching in Utah's history. Students also investigate cattle drives in Utah.
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Lesson Plan
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The Industrial Revolution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history.  In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period.  Students create a presentation on this time period to teach...
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Worksheet
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Notes: Westward Movement

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this westward movement worksheet, students fill in blanks and draw pictures of the six factors that influenced the westward movement of settlers.
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Worksheet
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Westward Expansion and American Indians

For Students 8th - 12th
In this 19th century U.S. history worksheet, students read articles about Westward Expansion and the American Indians. Students then respond to 19 short answer questions regarding the articles.
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Lesson Plan
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Lesson One: The Three Perspectives on Native American Removal

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the impact of the Indian Removal Act.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary resources. 
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Worksheet
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The Homestead Act of 1682

For Students 2nd - 6th
In this American West worksheet, students read about the Homestead Act of 1682. Students read 8 paragraphs and complete the 3 activities for the worksheet.
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Worksheet
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The American West - End of Unit Test

For Students 4th - 5th
In these American West worksheets, students answer questions based on the American West unit. Students answer 23 questions about the unit.
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Worksheet
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American West: Indian Warpath Word Search

For Students 5th - 6th
In this word search learning exercise, students find the words that represent reasons why Native Americans were compelled to war during the history of the American West. Students locate 10 words.
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Worksheet
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The American West-Knowledge Test

For Students 4th - 5th
In this American West instructional activity, students complete a 24 questions test about the American West. Answers are included beneath questions on instructional activity.
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Worksheet
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Cattle Industry and Cowboys- Overview

For Students 5th - 6th
In this cattle industry worksheet, students answer 11 essay questions pertaining to cowboys, ranching, and the history of the cattle industry in America. Prior knowledge or research will be needed.