The Big Rock Candy Mountain(continued)

Focus Questions and Student Learning

A. Historical Inquiry Focus Questions:

    What were the aspirations and experiences--myths and realities--of those who migrated to the American West during and after 1849? How did the geography of the West shape their experiences? In what way was the West a cultural meeting ground?

B. Student Learning and Related Activities:

  • Students will gain insight into the myths and realities, that is, the expectations and experiences, of overland travelers through study of primary sources and through mapping activities. 

  • Students will learn how the terrain and climate of the West shaped human choices as they create annotated maps of the overland routes. 

C. Assessment Questions and/or Considerations:

  • Does the work in the student's portfolio reflect an awareness of the diverse perspectives of the people in the American West? 

  • Does the student's portfolio demonstrate an overall understanding of the myths and realities experienced by those who traveled to the American West? 

  • Does the student-annotated map show understanding of how geography shaped the experiences of the people who lived there and those of the emigrants coming to the region? 

  • Did the student carry out small-group and individual tasks with the appropriate group and individual study skills? 
The Big Rock Candy Mountain 
Page 5
[LESSONS] [START OF SECTION] [PREVIOUS PAGE] [TOP] [NEXT SECTION]