Curated OER
The Fort Collins Problem
In this algebra worksheet, students solve word problems using algebra to solve real world problems. There is one question that has an answer key.
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about George Washington, early America, natural resources, and more. Students complete 8 questions.
Curated OER
A Trip Back in Time
Students investigate the pioneer experience in the 1800s. They view and discuss the images on the Missouri quarter, read a story about pioneer life, complete a worksheet, and create a booklet-form time capsule of pioneer items from the...
Curated OER
Cyber Hunt Activities: Lewis & Clark
Students participate in cyber hunt activities involving Lewis and Clark in order to gain a better idea of what it was like to be an explorer of the vast western lands. In this history lesson, students may choose to study the route that...
Curated OER
A Peaceless Land: Conflict Continues in the Middle East
Learners examine the conflict in the Middle East. They discover the history of the region to better explain why there is conflict in the region. They also analyze the political negotiations that have occured over the years.
Curated OER
A Helping Hand: The Role of Guides During Western Expansion
Students research and examine the lives and culture of western mountain guides during the early to mid 1800s. Students write reports about a guide they research, do a simulation of the guide by keeping a journal, managing money and...
Curated OER
Heritage: What if the Mormons had not come to Utah?
Fourth graders use critical thinking, evaluation, and geography skills to find alternative locations that Brigham Young could have taken the Mormons to settle. They present their findings to Brigham Young and the class with a short...
Curated OER
The Pony Express
Fourth graders reasearch the history of the Pony Express on the internet or they can use books from the school or public library. They write a one-page story which incorporates their research. They share their stories with the class by...
Curated OER
Making Sense of Unusual Findings
Students work on the development of observation skills and seeing how they can be used in different contexts. The lesson is good for helping the beginner and novice, along with encouraging and reminding the expert observer of right...
Curated OER
Which Side Is Which?
Students study the Louisiana Purchase and the journey of Lewis and Clark. They examine the Peace Medal nickel to differentiate between the heads side and tails side. They participate in a coin flip activity, graph the results and analyze...
Brigham Young University
Library of Congress: Maps: Their Use by Overlanders
Did the settlers know where they were going when they headed west? This site gives an explanation of maps that were used during the westward movement.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Go West: Imagining the Oregon Trail
A 2,000-mile trek across a continent-with no idea what awaits you on the other side. Tell your students to put on their traveling shoes and prepare for the journey of their lives! In this lesson, students compare imagined travel...
University of Richmond
American Panorama: The Overland Trails 1840 1860
Interactive map highlights the emigrations of men and women over the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails in the 1840s and 50s. Also features a timeline of migration, diary entries from individual migrants, and a flow map showing how...
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Journeys West
A series of lessons utilizing primary texts, including narratives, photographs, and maps, through which learners explore the following question: "What motivated thousands of people to journey west during the 1800s?"
Library of Congress
Loc: Nation Expansion and Reform: Traveling on the Overland Trails, 1843 1860
Primary source information about traveling the Overland Trails, both to Oregon Country and California.
Curated OER
National Park Service: California National Historic Trail
This site from the National Parks Service gives a brief history, and description of the California trail system which was used by settlers moving to California during the 1849 Gold Rush days.
University of Georgia
University of Georgia: Map of Southern u.s. (1806)
A detailed 1806 map of the southern U.S. States and Territories and Spanish Florida showing borders, rivers, mountains and overland trails.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Pony Express: History and Culture
A good article from the National Park Service which recounts the history of the brief existence of the Pony Express. Read about the route, what caused the demise of the Pony Express, and what part of the trail can still be seen.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: The Oregon Trail
This site from PBS provides a map of the Oregon Trail, from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley.
Other
Pony Express Home Station: Pony Express Route
Use this site to view maps of routes on the Pony Express and also read a brief history.
Curated OER
Etc: Mountain Passes & Overland Routes in the West, 1841 1850
A map of the Pacific region of the United States west of the Rocky Mountains in 1841-1850. The map shows the Old Spanish Trail from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, the Pioneer Route from the Platte River to San Francisco, the routes of Fremont...
Curated OER
Etc: American Rev War Operations in the West, 1775 1782
A map of the Northwest Territory between the Allegheny Mountains and the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes to the Tennessee River showing the military operations and extent of settlement in the area during the American Revolutionary...
Other
Road Trip Usa: Cross Country Adventures on America's Two Lane Highways
Learn all about America without ever leaving home. Select a driving tour, then find colorful information about what all the small towns have to offer. Many fun facts about famous historical destinations are given. Based on Jamie Jensen's...
PBS
Pbs: Lewis and Clark: Into the Unknown
On April 7, 1805, the Corps of Discovery left Fort Mandan and headed west. On their maps, the land that Lewis and Clark was headed for was indicated by a vast, blank space and the word, "Unknown". This is where this journey INTO THE...