News of the discovery of gold in California in 1848 inspired thousands
to cross the continent. This unit presents the West as a region defined
geographically by its arid, rugged land and historically by its role as
a meeting ground for diverse groups of people.
A. Beginning the Topic |
| LESSON TITLE |
ACTIVITIES |
TIME |
|
| 1. Around the Campfire |
Class meeting |
45 min. |
|
Using an organizer to collect thoughts |
1 hr. |
| |
| 2. Create a Campfire Portfolio |
Students create folders to collect their work. |
45 min. |
| |
| 3. Mapping the American West |
Overview: Maps tell us about the West. |
45 min. |
|
Demonstration: using the Cartography Center |
45 min. |
|
Students create base maps of the West. |
ongoing |
| |
B. Developing the Topic |
| LESSON TITLE |
ACTIVITIES |
TIME |
|
| 4. Dreams of the West |
Students study paintings using a visual-literacy strategy, write their reflections and make notes on maps. |
2 hr. |
| |
| 5. Pioneers and Argonauts |
Students study visual sources, then write
their thoughts and annotate their maps. |
1.5 hr |
| |
| 6. Native Americans in the West |
Students study visual sources, then
write their thoughts and annotate their maps. |
1.5 hr. |
| |
| 7. Mapping Spanish-Speaking Areas of the United States |
Students study names of cities and rivers on contemporary road maps. They write their thoughts and annotate their maps. |
2 hr. |
| |
| 8. Pack a Wagon, Pack a Mule |
Students study visual sources, then write
their thoughts and annotate their maps. |
1.5 hr. |
| |
| 9. Along the Trail |
Students study visual sources, then write their thoughts and annotate their maps. |
2 hr. |
|
Optional: Literature Center suggestions |
varies |
|
Optional: Teach the class songs of the West. |
1.5 hr. |