Westward+Expansion+Lesson+208

This unit on westward expansion was developed to create an awareness of past events and explore how the development of major transportation systems accelerated expansion contributing to the demise of Native American ways of life.

Concept Objectives- Human movement is affected by the geography of a region. People use natural resources available to them Routes west: life on wagon trains of the Oregon Trail Plains Native Americans: way of life Importance of the buffalo and their near extinction Forced removal of Native Americans to reservations: the Trail of Tears Understand human movement through the eyes of the people who were there.

Culminating Activity- Students had to gather all information they learned to create a character living through this time in history. Students had to choose to be a Native American or pioneer and write about their experiences. The characters had to have authentic names and be drawn wearing typical dress.

Westward Expansion Rubric Experience Westward Expansion