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The Railroads: The First Transcontinental Railroad
The move West was greatly effected by the first transcontinental railroad. Present your class with well-organized information regarding major causes, players, and effects the railroad had on the face of an expanding America. Note: A...
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Analysis of the Diary of Narcissa Whitman
Seventh graders explore the West through the eyes of a settler. In this Westward Expansion lesson, 7th graders read excerpts from the diary of Narcissa Whitman as she journeyed West from Pennsylvania. Students respond to critical...
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U.S. Geography: The West
Students explore the national parks of the American West. In this geography skills lesson plan, students watch "U.S. Geography: The West," and examine print and Internet sources about the national parks found there. Students feature...
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Debunking the Myth of the American West
Students participate in a close reading. They examine the text closely for implied and hidden meaning, dissect the story to understand the text as a written craft, and discuss significant details and overall meaning of story. They...
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BEGINNER LEVEL LESSON PLAN
Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of Native American culture and construct a cultural symbol. They are explained what the stars and stripes stand for on the American flag. Students work as...
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Intermediate Level Lesson Plan THEMATIC ESSAY
Students identify three reasons why conflict arose in the Western United States during the late 1800s. Using specific examples, discuss how the United States government attempted to resolve these conflicts. Evaluate whether these...
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Transcontinental Railroad
Eleventh graders explain the development of the American West following the Civil War. They also explore the Homestead Act of 1862 and the Pacific Railway Act of 1862. They also participate in a simulation about the American West.
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The American West: Images of Its People
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this American West lesson, students examine photographs that reveal the cultural components of the West and then write narratives regarding the photographs.
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American West: Lawlessness and Violence
In this American West worksheet, students read about the reasons for lawlessness and violence in the American West. Students learn about geographical factors, political factors, economic factors, social factors, values, and attitudes.
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Brigham Young Leads Mormons West
In these American West worksheets, students read passages about Brigham Young leading the Mormons west. Students then answer 9 questions about the text.
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Surviving the Plains
In this American West worksheet, students solve 10 anagrams to find problems faced by the homesteaders. Students fill out a chart with these problems, descriptions, and solutions.
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Homesteaders Push and Pull
In this American West worksheet, students review the factors that made the homesteaders leave their homes in the East to live in the plains. Students sort the factors into push and pull factor categories.
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Whites' Opinions of Indians Crossword
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students read the clues about the white people's opinions of the Indians during the expansion west. Students complete the puzzle with 11 terms.
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Native American and White Settler Lifestyle
In this American West worksheet, students review the lifestyles for the Native Americans and the white settlers. Students determine why there would be conflict between the groups based on the lifestyles.
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Mountain Men Crossword
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students read the clues related to the mountain men of the American West. Students complete the 10-question puzzle.
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Cattle Trails
In this cattle trails study guide learning exercise, students read about the American West. Students read 4 sections of information.
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American West Crossword Puzzle
In this American West crossword puzzle worksheet, students use the 27 clues to identify the correct words and names that will solve the crossword puzzle.
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The Life of a Cowboy
In this "Life of a Cowboy" study guide instructional activity, students read about the American West. Students match 6 vocabulary terms to their definitions.
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Native Americans: Origins
In this Native Americans worksheet, students read about the origins of the Native Americans and the discovery of North America. Students also read about the arrival of the Europeans to the continent and the Plains Indians.
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Manifest Destiny Crossword
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students read the clues about the American West and the manifest destiny. Students complete the 9-word puzzle.
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The American West: Knowledge Test
In this American West worksheet, students answer a total of 25 questions about The American West. Questions are short answer and "lists."
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American West: Railroads
In these American West worksheets, students cut out the cards related to the American West and the railroads. Students match the cards together.
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Memorable Utah Events
In this American West activity, 6th graders read 7 passages and study the pictures that relate to settling the West and particularly the history of Utah.
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Exploring the West Using Fiction
Young scholars explore post Civil War development of the American West. They investigate the conflict among various groups involved in the settlement of the West and select a novel by a western writer and complete questions from the...