HISTORY Channel
Westward Expansion of the United States
How did early American pioneers decide what to take with them on their journeys, and what was their traveling experience like? Here you'll find a collection of activities to help you explore Westward Expansion with your young learners.
Scholastic
The Rise of Railroads: California
Railways are an integral part of the history of California. Using a timeline format, class members connect major historical events to the rise of the railroads and their impact on the state. Activities include a mix of independent and...
Scholastic
The Rise of Railroads: Illinois
Railways not only cross the US, but they are also intertwined with the history of America. Using a timeline format, individuals explore the connections between major events in American history—such as the Civil War—and the rise of the...
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark and the Native Americans
Students practice using maps and identifying landmarks on the Lewis and Clark expedition. They research Lewis and Clark's relationship with the Native Americans and report their findings to the class. They identify the impact of the...
Curated OER
Cardinal and Ordinal Directions
Learners use a compass to locate cardinal and ordinal directions. In small groups, they describe and create a journey for their classmates using their compass. Groups create a scale map for their classmates to follow and relate this...
Curated OER
Philadelphia's Important Contribution to the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Learners analyze a primary source document (Jefferson's secret letter to Congress) and identify its objectives through the aid of focus questions. They complete a graphic organizer and write an article summarizing Philadelphia's...
Curated OER
On the Trail with Lewis and Clark
Eighth graders use the Internet to conduct research on the Lewis and Clark journals and work cooperatively in planning and delivering a presentation.
Curated OER
"Go West, Young Man!"
Students examine reasons why people migrated west. They describe how the geography of the U.S. changed in the 19 th century and design a PowerPoint presentation to convey factors for westward expansion.
Curated OER
The Frontier and Frontiersmen
In this frontier instructional activity, students read a 2 page article on the early frontier life, answer 5 facts from the article with multiple choice answers and determine if 2 statements are true or false.
Curated OER
Mississippi
In this Mississippi worksheet, students read a two page text about the history of the state of Mississippi. Students then answer 10 true and false questions.
Curated OER
History of 1800's and 1900's
In this history of 1800's and 1900's learning exercise, students complete multiple choice questions about the history of the United States. Students complete 9 problems total.
Curated OER
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students examine the Lewis and Clark expedition. They develop skills for historical analysis. They locate a variety of geographic features encountered by the expedition, and create a timeline that documents Lewis and Clark on their journey.
Curated OER
Agriculture: Oklahoma's Legacy
Students explore the history of Oklahoma agriculture. They listen to the story "The Story of Oklahoma Agriculture." They are then divided into groups where they act out one or more of the events in the story. Students draw pictures ot...
Curated OER
Agriculture: Oklahoma's Legacy
Students continue exploring the history of Oklahoma Agriculture in this lesson. They trace several historical migrations to the state of Oklahoma. They simulate the customs and conditions of a chosen migration. Vocabulary and resource...
Curated OER
Recommend a Book 2
For this book report worksheet, students recommend a book to someone by completing 6 different statements about their selection. First, they describe the book's main subject and point. Then, students write one of the most interesting...
Curated OER
The American Civil War
In this American history worksheet, middle schoolers learn about the American Civil War. They first read a 2 page explanation of the war and events that took place. Students then answer 9 questions pertaining to the information they just...
Curated OER
Manifest Destiny Lesson Plan
Learners examine how Americans justified Westward Expansion. In this American history activity, your historians will watch a Manifest Destiny Powerpoint presentation and discuss each slide then participate in a class discussion about...
Curated OER
The Legend of Freedom Hill
Third graders complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book The Legend of Freedom Hill. In this reading lesson plan, 3rd graders complete journal entries, go over vocabulary, answer short...
Curated OER
The Basilica of the Assumption-A Symbol of Freedom
Fourth graders explore the importance of the Basilica of Assumption and the development of the Catholic Church in Maryland. In this social studies lesson, 4th graders discuss the Basilica of the Assumption and the Catholic Church.
Curated OER
Arkansas
In this Arkansas reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 2-page selection regarding the state and they answer 10 true or false questions pertaining to the selection.
Curated OER
Grew to the West
In this westward growth activity, students use lyrics given to follow along with the song "Grew to the West," filling in blanks to answer simple questions throughout. Students then answer 10 additional questions about the song. Song link...
Curated OER
Fort Clatsop: The Corps of Discovery's Winter at Fort Clatsop
High schoolers investigate the Lewis and Clark expedition and how it helped to shape American expansion during its early history. Students reflect upon the period of history and its implications for America.
Curated OER
The Industrial Revolution
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history. In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period. Students create a presentation on this time period to teach...