Curated OER
Wagons West!
The first pioneers faced many obstacles on their journey west. Middle schoolers read different historical fiction texts (ideas are provided), make connections, and complete a detailed packet (included). Reading guides, journal ideas, and...
Curated OER
Sodbusters!
Students study American settlers, how and where they lived by observing images. They investigate how the settlers used sod to build houses that were adaptable to the plains environment. They compare living in a sod homes with their home.
Curated OER
The Oregon Trail
Students discuss migration and reasons people came across the Oregon trail. Students create a time line of important events along the Oregon trail. A Historical Time Line is included for student use. Students work in small groups to...
Curated OER
Pioneers Heading West
Young scholars brainstorm, analyze, compare and contrast,
and illustrate accomplishments of pioneers of the west. Students identify and interpret the Pacific Northwest pioneers. Young scholars present their final projects to the class...
Curated OER
A Picture is Worth...
Students use their photo analysis skills to gain an understanding of what pioneer life in Canada may have been like by examining historical photos. Students are then given an opportunity to present their findings to the class in a...
Curated OER
Map Scale and the Pioneer Journey
Fourth graders, using a map, ruler and calculator, determine the distance the pioneers traveled from Nauvoo, Ill. to the Salt Lake Valley.
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
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
John Fitch: Pioneer Steamboat Inventor
Students explore the transportation revolution brought about through the use of steam power to move boats over water. They practice note taking skills by taking notes from an article.
Curated OER
Family Life
Students investigate the lives of families in two different centuries. They compare the 1600's to the 1800's. Students write an essay about the differences and how they developed in history. Special attention is paid to the external...
Curated OER
A Pioneer Journal
Fourth graders take on the persona of a pioneer boy or girl. They write a fictional series of journal entries describing, from a child's view, some of the events, hardships and adventures of the trek west
Curated OER
Playing Store Without Money -- The Barter System in Pio
Third graders explore how the pioneers had wants and needs in Utah in the 1840's, 50's, and 60's, but the lack of cash severely dampened the economy. The influx of even a little cash went a long way toward building Utah's economy.
Curated OER
Pushing the Boundaries: The Pioneer Spirit
Eleventh graders recognize how social reform occurred at the turn of the century. Through a debate, 11th graders determine advantages and drawbacks of traveling west using original sources and descriptions of the attitudes, beliefs, and...
Curated OER
Map Scale and the Pioneer Journey
Fourth graders use a map, ruler and calculato to determine the distance the pioneers traveled from Nauvoo, Ill. to the Salt Lake Valley.
Other
Prairie Traveler: A Handbook for Overland Expeditions
Written in 1859, this handbook provided pioneers with valuable guidance on everything from choosing which route to gake to the west, to what kinds of tents to use, to how to deal with Indians. It was an invaluable source for those making...
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: As Precious as Gold
"As Precious as Gold," is an online exhibit from the National Postal Museum which explores the rich history of the Alaskan/Klondike gold rushes. Find stories on extraordinary women, the trails, the Palm Sunday avalanche, the U.S. Postal...
NASA
Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Photo Gallery: Venus
Photos of Venus' surface and cloud tops. Includes 3-D surface views. Thumbnail images load quickly and link to larger files for more detail.
University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Pioneer Experience
Collection of primary source journals, letters, etc. on pioneer life in Wisconsin.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma State: Nathaniel Pryor
Learn about the life of Nathaniel Pryor, and American explore who participated in the Lewis and Clark expedition and served as a captain in the war of 1812.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Reading Writing & 'Rithmetic in the One Room Schoolhouse
Comparing and contrasting are skills that are utilized in this lesson plan. Teacher resources and detailed activities will help the learners learn about the schools in early America.
Other
Information About Wagon Trains: The Wagon
Provides information about the wagons and animal teams to pull them.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: June 7: Daniel Boone
This site by the Library of Congress gives a good biography of frontiersman Daniel Boone. Includes related links and pictures. Click on the picture of his Kentucky cabin for a larger view.
Nine Planets
The Nine Planets: Venus
In-depth information site on Venus, complete with a thorough glossary, links to a wide array of related sites, thumbnail picture files linked to larger images, and even a short audio file from a classic symphony.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Colorado
Discover more about the Rocky Mountains. Why is Colorado called the "Centennial State?" Look at this website for captivating facts.