Smarter Balanced
American West in the 1800s
To establish a context for an assessment or a study of pioneers and the American frontier in the 1800s, groups examine photos and record observations about clothing, housing, and travel.
Curated OER
The Frontier and Frontiersmen
In this frontier worksheet, students read a 2 page article on the early frontier life, answer 5 facts from the article with multiple choice answers and determine if 2 statements are true or false.
Curated OER
Pioneer Women of Florida's Frontier
Fourth graders read the passage, "Florida's Fabulous Frontier Females" and write two narrative essays, one expository, using examples of differences in life in Florida during frontier times and today. They then complete one descriptive...
Curated OER
Plows on the Hunting Ground
Third graders read and discuss the "Indian Allotment Act". Students compare communal and private property we have today. Students research Indian tribes online and write about their way of life and traditions during the 1880s. ...
Curated OER
Frontier Wars of the 1790s
Students explore the frontier wars of the 1790s. After researching one battle, teams of students prepare a presentation for the class. Students compare and contrast the Columbian Tragedy with "broadsides" that were printed to announce...
Curated OER
The Battle for San Juan Hill: Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898
Eleventh graders design and create a poster, advertising for recruitment of volunteers to serve with Teddy Roosevelt in the 1st Volunteer Calvary Regiment. Students create a historical newspaper front page, from the time period, which...
Curated OER
Pontiac's War
Students interpret primary sources concerning Pontiac's Rebellion. They are able to explain the motives behind the attack on the British. Students predict possible outcomes of Pontiac's Rebllion.
Curated OER
Going West
Young scholars examine the lives of early pioneers who traveled west for better opportunities. They listen to story "Josafina and the Story Quilt", and discuss hardships encountered by traveling families. Students then complete research...
Curated OER
THE MASSACHUSETSS FRONTIER:TURNER
Students examine the political, social, religious, and economic world and national context in which the settlement of Deerfield occurred and the competing political agendas, and competition for land, power, and wealth in Deerfield.
Curated OER
English Settlement
Students study the development of the New England colonies, their rationale for settlement, and the importance of Puritan theology in this development. They research towns in England and their copies in Massachusetts.
Curated OER
Farming on the Virginia Frontier
In this social studies worksheet, students discover how early frontier settlers in Virginia planted and raised their crops. Students read an information paragraph and answer 5 questions.
Curated OER
A Day in the Life
Students examine the various roles people played on the 19th century Texas frontier. Using the internet, they get to know five residents of Fort Griffin and take notes on their characteristics. They choose one person to research more...
Curated OER
Lesson 3: Making a Living
Students, in groups, create hypothetical financial plans for a colonial Maine family living on the frontier.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Born on a Mountaintop: Davy Crockett, Tall Tales & History
These four lesson plans integrate the life of Davy Crockett and the tall tales that were created about him. Includes a printable rubric, lesson extensions, links, and much more!
![Dr. Chase Young, Ph D: Reader's Theater Script: The King of the Wild Frontier [Pdf] Activity](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Dr. Chase Young, Ph D: Reader's Theater Script: The King of the Wild Frontier [Pdf] Activity")
Chase Young, PhD
Dr. Chase Young, Ph D: Reader's Theater Script: The King of the Wild Frontier [Pdf]
A reader's theater script for The King of the Wild Frontier, a short biography of Davy Crockett. Five character roles are needed in this activity.
PBS
Pbs the West: The Nez Perce and the Dawes Act
This companion article from the PBS series, "New Perspectives on the West," offers a lesson plan which approaches the Dawes Act from the perspective of the Nez Perce.
Other
Pony Express: History of the Pony Express
Read about the beginnings of the Pony Express, the requirements to be a rider, and find out why this mail delivery system ended.
Other
Texas Beyond History: Kids Only?
Engaging games about Texas History. Adobe Flash is required for some of the games and will not launch.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Davy Crockett (In Spanish)
Read about one of the most interesting early Americans. From Tennessee to Congress to the Alamo, find out what drove this extraordinary man.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Txdps: Texas Rangers: Historical Development
A brief article about the Texas Rangers, the oldest law enforcement organization on the North American continent with statewide jurisdiction.
Other
At Home in the Heartland: At Home on the Fringes of the Prairie (1800 1850)
Interactive site offers information and pictures pertaining to early pioneer life. See advertisements in the paper, furniture, glassware, and food preparation tools. Read stories of individuals who lived during that time and make...
Other
The Great Plains in Midwestern Culture
Discusses the history of the people on the Great Plains, both the Native Americans and early settlers.
Other
Women in History: Mary Fields
This site contains facts about the life of Stagecoach Mary Fields (1832-1913).
Mount Holyoke College
Hippo Campus: Excerpt From "The Significance of the Frontier in American History"
Read an excerpt from "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" by Frederick Jackson Turner.