Curated OER
Wagons Ho! Hard Times! Hard Choices!
You have just hit the lesson plan jackpot! This isn't just a lesson, it's a ten-day unit covering westward expansion, pioneer life, and the Oregon Trail. Activities include baking, model building, role-play, newspaper writing, science...
Curated OER
A Look Through My Antonia's Eyes
Thoroughly delve into My Antonia by Willa Cather with a plethora of activities. Engage scholars with videos and web sites in this week-long unit that explains the historical context and creates pioneers in the field of research. An...
Curated OER
A Look Through My Antonia's Eyes
Young scholars explore life as a pioneer in the late 1890's. In this appreciation of history lesson plan, students read excerpts from My Antonia. Young scholars create presentations about life and culture in Nebraska. Students write an...
Curated OER
Life in a Sod House: Get a Sense of It
In this history of Nebraska worksheet, students read information about pioneer life in a sod house. Students conduct 4 experiments where they use measurement skills and observational skills to imagine the size, light levels, smell of...
Curated OER
Go, West, Pack Light!
Students investigate the hardships related to pioneer life and the Wagon Train. They listen to an excerpt from the book "Little House on the Prairie," and discuss the hardships faced by pioneers travelling west. In small groups...
Curated OER
Laura Ingalls Wilder and Pioneer Life
Fourth graders complete a three-week unit about Laura Ingalls Wilder and pioneer life. They research the topography of Michigan in the 1870's, conduct Internet research, write journal entries, participate in polka and waltz dancing, and...
Curated OER
Westward Ho!
Young scholars explore what life was like on the American frontier. They participate in a simulation of frontier life using Oregon Trail computer software, create an Oregon Trail newsletter, develop a timeline, and conduct interviews...
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Life as a Pioneer
Students examine historical documents and research why early pioneers settled on the Iowa prairie. They review maps, describe the impact of railroading, describe life in pioneer times, and identify the effects of drought, prairie fire,...
Curated OER
Frontier Life Story
Students explore American frontier life. In this history lesson, students participate in a series of activities that challenge them to discover what pioneer life was really like.
Curated OER
Long, Long, Ago
Students discover details of pioneer life. In this history instructional activity, students examine artifacts and play games from pioneer times.
Curated OER
Pioneer Life: Food
Students investigate the types of food the pioneers ate, and how they prepared and preserved their meals. They explore websites, view video diaries from PBS Frontier Life, read recipes, and complete a crossword puzzle.
Curated OER
Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
Curated OER
Mystery Photo!
Young scholars examine a photo of the compass plant, and research how the pioneers used the plant as a way of orienting themselves while travelling through the prairies. They analyze the photograph, and complete a Photo Analysis Guide...
Curated OER
Pioneer Currency in Utah: Have you got change for a 5?
Students explore the need for money in a society and the artificial value of coin and paper currencies. They design their own coin and paper currency.
Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada: Community Stories: The French Connection
This exhibit features narratives and pictures that recount the history of French settlers to the banks of the Detroit River in the 1700s.
Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada: Community Stories: The Sterling Flour Mill
Trace the history of milling and learn about the milling of flour as you explore the stories celebrating the history of the Sterling Flour Mill in Strome Alberta. Included are images of artifacts and primary source documents.
Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada: Community Stories: Victorian Fashions in the Upper Ottawa Valley
100 years of fashions, 1840-1940, are showcased in this collection of images. Included are close-up photographs that detail much of the intricate work produced during the Victorian Period.
University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Pioneer Experience
Collection of primary source journals, letters, etc. on pioneer life in Wisconsin.
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: Pioneer Children: Games, Toys, and Recreation
Learn about the lives of pioneer children whose families moved to Nebraska during the period of Western Expansion. Topics include toys, games and other activities for enjoyment.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Adeline Hornbeck and the Homestead Act
This Teaching with Historic Places instructional activity effectively depicts the life of a pioneer woman and ways in which the Homestead Act impacted her life. The site includes lesson plans, inquiry questions, and photos that may be...
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.
US National Archives
Laura Ingalls Wilder Teaching Unit: Pioneer Life With Laura
A great instructional activity using the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder to teach about pioneer life on the plains. Filled with before reading and during reading activities and questions.
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Women P Ioneers in American Memory
This is an online resource from the Library of Congress discussing Women Pioneers. Includes some audio and internal links for more information.
Library of Congress
Loc: Nation Expansion and Reform: Traveling on the Overland Trails, 1843 1860
Primary source information about traveling the Overland Trails, both to Oregon Country and California.