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Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West Lesson PlanWestward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West Lesson Plan
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Lesson Plan

Westward Ho: The Difficulties of Emigrants Moving West

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Students research the journey west of 19th century emigrants. In this pioneer activity, 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 the difficulties, and write a friendly letter.  

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Concepts

pioneers, the oregon trail

Additional Tags

emigrants, moving west, oregon trail, pioneers, english language arts
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Resource Details

Grade
4th - 5th
Subjects
English Language Arts
7 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use

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Lesson Plan

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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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Lesson Plan

The Oregon Trail

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Fourth graders discover the significance of the Oregon Trail in Idaho history. In addition, 4th graders conceptualize the Oregon Trail in relation to their own lives. They engage in a wide variety of curricular activities, culminating in...
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Moving West!

Curated OER
Learners explore, explain and experience the importance of good character traits in everyday life by assessing the challenging journeys traveled on the Oregon Trail. They study the daily accounts of perseverance and courage along the trail.
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Lesson Plan

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Curated OER
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Students study the concept of the westward expansion. For this exploration of the western U.S. lesson, students participate in different activities that explain economic hardships, jobs, and land opportunities. Students describe...
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Selling of the West, or The Portrayal of Emigrant Travel on the Oregon Trail

Curated OER
Students compare and contrast the realistic and romantic art and literature about experiences on the Oregon Trail. Using this information, they compare their viewpoints and write messages on what they believe it was like on a trip down...
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Oregon Trail Diary

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Learners 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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