Students are introduced to the concept of orphan trains. In groups, they research the history of the New York Children's Aid Society and begin to identify the social-trade offs involved on the orphan trains. They examine the geneological...

Young scholars research how the Orphan Train was an example of philanthropy that was aimed at aiding homeless children. They determine how this philanthropic effort continues now by researching contemporary relief agencies. They...

Middle schoolers study the lives of homeless children who rode the Orphan Train by reading first person essays of the children's experiences. They examine what rights were denied to the homeless children during the late 1800's and decide...

Students use readings and discussion to investigate the 19th century practice of Orphan Trains - sending U.S. urban orphans from the East to the Midwest in hopes of procuring them a home. They focus on the concept of social trade-offs.

Learners explore the components and meaning of philanthropy. In this community awareness lesson, students are able to identify and research agencies and organizations that provide services to children in need, compare and contrast...

Are you teaching a unit on the Wild West and need a good book suggestion that ties in? You've just found an extensive book list that includes titles for both juvenile and advanced readers. Each title is about some aspect of the Wild West...

Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this Charles Loring Brace activity, students research the man and his contributions so that they can determine whether he served his community as a philanthropist.

Students take a closer look at the rebuilding of Rwanda. In this current events lesson, students review the genocide in the country during the 1990's and perform role plays that require them to determine how to rebuild a nation after...

Young scholars analyze global issues. In this research skills instructional activity, students research selected global issues. Young scholars create e-collages or digital videos that feature their selected issues.

Students read a current events non-fiction article and answer vocabulary and comprehension questions about it. In this animal artists paint for fun lesson plan, students also work on dictionary skills, geography, and creative thinking by...

A site telling of the trains during the late 1800s that took orphans and unwanted children from the cities and transported them to the West to work on farms and hopefully be adopted.

This site, presented by The Kansas Collection, provides insight into the westward expansion of orphan children from New York City. The page houses links to stories, newspaper articles, history, and graphics associated with the Orphan...

A memoir by Catherine Sager Pringle, one of the orphans who was taken in by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Find out about the journey on the Oregon Trail and the Whitman Massacre.