4th Grade - Western, Ho!
Essential Question: When was a time in history when expansion changed our nation?
Focus Standards: SS4H3 Explain westward expansion in America.
a. Describe the causes and events of the War of 1812; include the burning of the Capitol and the White House and the writing of “The Star Spangled Banner.” b. Describe the impact of westward expansion on American Indians; include the Trail of Tears, Battle of Little Bighorn and the forced relocation of American Indians to reservations. c. Describe territorial expansion with emphasis on the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the acquisitions of Texas (the Alamo and independence), Oregon (Oregon Trail), and California (Gold Rush and the development of mining towns). |
Project Summary: In this scenario, students are taking on the title of explorers to study the driving question. Students will study a time during our history when expansion changed America. The students will focus and answer the following questions:
|
Entry Event - Pioneers started to hear about Gold in California. Would they go explore? Would it be worth it? What challenges would they face?
Scenario: The word was out...a treasure could be found in the gazebo during recess. Students started to become curious. The students that found the treasure (multi-colored bouncy balls) were told: "It's choice if you want to tell someone else".
Eventually, most students heard about this treasure and attempted to retrieve the treasure. They will, however, be given a challenge: They are not actually allowed to be in the restricted area. There will be an administrator who will be in the gazebo to hinder and create a conflict with finding the treasure.
Scenario: The word was out...a treasure could be found in the gazebo during recess. Students started to become curious. The students that found the treasure (multi-colored bouncy balls) were told: "It's choice if you want to tell someone else".
Eventually, most students heard about this treasure and attempted to retrieve the treasure. They will, however, be given a challenge: They are not actually allowed to be in the restricted area. There will be an administrator who will be in the gazebo to hinder and create a conflict with finding the treasure.
Showcase - Parents were welcomed to the Wild West and traveled along the Oregon Trail to learn how expansion changed our nation. Students created hall displays, exploration games, SWAY or Powerpoint presentations, and many other creative ways to share what they learned. Pioneer journals were displayed. QR Codes were available with links to biographies as well as New Frontier products (Student Choice: Flipgrid, Telegami, or Chatterkids).