In the mid-1900, the Oregon Trail was a 2,000 mile pathway for emigrants seeking land and new opportunities. It is my hope to bring life to this crucial piece of history and provide my students with a sense of wonder and adventure as they learn about a defining moment of our country's history.
For this project, students will trace the same muddy trails, arid deserts, raging rivers, and vast wilderness early settlers traveled upon to reach Oregon. Fourth graders will be given a "pioneer" name (taken from actual manifestos and journals) and create a realistic history for their character in their daily journals. They will study the geography, landmarks, and old maps of the Oregon Trail (including other major pathways). My fourth graders will learn about the many hardships faced along the trail, as well as how pioneers adapted and survived. Students will study weather patterns and conditions that impacted settlers and influenced travel dates. Through trial and error, students will learn how to pack a wagon within a budget while adhering to strict weight guidelines. They will learn about covered wagons (prairie schooners), Native American tribes, the role of African American slaves, and the roles played by women and even children along the journey.
Our school library does not have the resources we need to teach this exciting, integrated unit. Your generous donation will allow my students to study both fiction and non-fiction books at their ability levels. This donation will also provide my students with journals to track their daily adventures and learning.
About my class
In the mid-1900, the Oregon Trail was a 2,000 mile pathway for emigrants seeking land and new opportunities. It is my hope to bring life to this crucial piece of history and provide my students with a sense of wonder and adventure as they learn about a defining moment of our country's history.
For this project, students will trace the same muddy trails, arid deserts, raging rivers, and vast wilderness early settlers traveled upon to reach Oregon. Fourth graders will be given a "pioneer" name (taken from actual manifestos and journals) and create a realistic history for their character in their daily journals. They will study the geography, landmarks, and old maps of the Oregon Trail (including other major pathways). My fourth graders will learn about the many hardships faced along the trail, as well as how pioneers adapted and survived. Students will study weather patterns and conditions that impacted settlers and influenced travel dates. Through trial and error, students will learn how to pack a wagon within a budget while adhering to strict weight guidelines. They will learn about covered wagons (prairie schooners), Native American tribes, the role of African American slaves, and the roles played by women and even children along the journey.
Our school library does not have the resources we need to teach this exciting, integrated unit. Your generous donation will allow my students to study both fiction and non-fiction books at their ability levels. This donation will also provide my students with journals to track their daily adventures and learning.
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