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The Heritage of a Pioneer Quilt
Learners discuss and view how the first quilts were made. They compare modern quilts to ones of the past. They create a quilt pattern by using math and creative thinking.
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Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?
Here is a nicely designed instructional activity on ancestry and family history. In it, learners read an article entitled, "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?" Then, they make up a series of questions to profile their family and their...
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Making Corn-Husk Dolls
Second graders create corn husk dolls. In this pioneers lesson, 2nd graders use corn husks, thread, scissors and simple cloth to create corn husk dolls. They discuss how the pioneer children used these toys, this discussion is intended...
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Landforms
Second graders identify all the geographical landforms along the pioneer trail. They study, and present to the class, at least one geographical landform along the pioneer trail.
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Westward Expansion
Eighth graders explore the components of the Westward Movement in the United States. Understanding the past and the linkages it has to the present is the intended goal of this seventeen day unit.
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Oregon Trail Diary
Students pretend they are on the Oregon Trail and keep a diary of their adventures. In this Oregon Trail lesson plan, students write about their decisions to move, crossing rivers, buying supplies, and more.
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Succession in the Classroom
Students investigate their environment by growing plants in class. In this botany lesson, students discuss the lifespan of plants and animals and how they must be cared for continuously over time. Students grow a plant in class and...
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Wow! What A Hat!
Pupils examine and discuss the headwear of the pioneers. They design and create their own pioneer hat using the natural materials that were available to the pioneers. They present and discuss their hat to the class.
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A Trail Across the Plains
Students discuss how pioneers reached Utah, and create a mural of the pioneer trek with captions explaining what is happening along the trail.
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Tall Tales
Students examine the characteristics of tall tales and how exaggerations are used. They create a character that is larger than life, they brainstorm attributes for their character, before writing a Tall Tale. They plan out their story,...
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The History of Maple Syrup
Learners explore the process of harvesting maple syrup. In this science and history activity, students make their own maple syrup and create a picture book that shows the Native American and American pioneer methods of making the syrup.
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Amelia Earhart: Aviation Pioneer
Students explore social practices and technological advancement of the 1920s and 1930s and relate this to modern life. They explore the events of Amelia Earhart's life and her poetry. They write their own poetry.
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Striking It Rich!
Fifth graders explore the California Gold Rush. They explore the lure of gold and the Wild West, how pioneers traveled to the West, and the hardships and people they encountered along the way. Activities be authentic, hands-on, and...
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Western Expansion or Eastern Invasion?
Fifth graders read from their textbook a story about the pioneer settlement of the Western Frontier. They review the pioneer standpoint, but also discuss how the Homestead Act of 1862 affected Native Americans. They write another story...
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Plant Hormones
Students identify different plant hormones and explain their function in plant development. In this biology lesson, students investigate how IAA affect root growth. They study the history of auxin discovery.
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Able Was I Ere I Saw Elba
Students explore palindromes and try writing some of their own. A second lesson centers around French food and restaurants. They create a business plan and menu for an imaginary French restaurant.
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Quilts and Math
Students create a pattern. In this patterns lesson, students review the meaning of symmetry and explore using pattern blocks. Students look for patterns in real quilts, photographs and pictures. Students work independently to plan a...
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Hello, Anybody Out There?
Students understand that people believe there may be life in other solar systems. In this communication with other solar systems lesson, students analyze our planet and write things they want to communicate to other solar systems.
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Go West: Imagining the Oregon Trail
Students access the Oregon Trial website to find information on what it was like to experience traveling the Oregon Trial. Then, in groups, they create dioramas depicting events that could have happened along the Oregon Trail.
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Heritage: 'And Should We Die...' Attributes of the Pio
Eighth graders use comprehension strategies after reading to reflect on, consolidate, and extend meaning. They show various attributes of the pioneers through character sketches.
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Wagons West
Students assume the personality of a pioneer on a wagon train and create daily journals. In this journal writing lesson, students read excerpts from The Way West: Journal of a Pioneer Woman. Students use their imaginations to write...
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Heritage: Patchwork Quilting
Fourth graders read the book "The Quilt Story" and point out likenesses and differences in pioneer and modern times, as well as the importance of the quilt throughout the story. They work as one large group to create their own patchwork...
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Visual Pictures of the Buffalo National River
Students create art in a Buffalo National River unit. In this Buffalo River art lesson, students create woven rugs, make baskets, create pottery bowls, build log cabins, and construct tipis. They create a bulletin board where the...
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Heritage: Going Into Business
Students plan a transport business to run between Independence, Missouri and Salt Lake City, Utah between 1850-1860. They make and display a poster advertising their freight line. They show a picture of the vehicle, give the name of the...