Oregon Trail Diary

Upper elementary learners study pioneers on the Oregon Trail through a simulation. They will discover the supplies, choices, and modes of transportation while on the Oregon Trail. They also identify geography difficulties, weather...

Students identify geographical features of different regions encountered by migrants on the Oregon trail. Students research how the Oregon landscape may have affected life and 19th century westward migration. Students write a narrative...

Fifth graders participate in Oregon Trail simulation to travel along Oregon Trail and reflect on their journey, use built-in diary to record and expand on their experiences along Trail, and create map depicting their route, rivers,...

Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer lesson, students read the letters and diaries of a fictitious family traveling on the Oregon Trail. They mark their route on a US map, create a chart showing...

Tenth graders consider the move westward. In this Westward Movement lesson plan, 10th graders compare and contrast the experiences of 2 pioneers by creating t-charts. Students analyze diaries, photographs, and political cartoons that...

Learners create a fictional diary written from the point of view of a pioneer traveling on the Oregon Trail. They write to a series of prompts that reflect the fictional journey.

Seventh graders complete a unit of lessons on the Westward expansion of the U.S. They play the computer game, Oregon Trail III, read primary source documents, conduct Internet research, write diary entries from the pioneer viewpoint, and...

Students explore prairie life. In this Oregon Trail lesson, students read literature regarding the move west and participate in cross-curricular activities. Students should take digital photographs of the participation in activities and...

Learners research through the internet, books, and other publications to find out about American frontier life. Through hands-on activities, projects, and presentations, students then decide if they would rather be a part of today's...

Students examine primary sources regarding Western migration. In this Manifest Destiny lesson, students determine why the pioneers moved west and what the trip was like as they examine sources and write journals based on their findings.