Don't Fence Me In

Ensure that your class has a well-rounded understanding of new inventions, in this case barbed wired. Class members, after researching the history and development of barbed wire, assess its impact on cattle and the development of the West. In addition, they research the range wars and set up a class debate by role playing cowboys from cattle companies, and farmers or settlers who want the build fences. Practice mathematical skills using fences as inspiration and play a game that simulates cattle trying to escape. The resource lists many standards, but you might focus in on a few in order to encourage depth of understanding.