Westward Expansion

1. Westward Expansion By Ashleigh Gaston

2. TEKS §113.7. Social Studies, Grade 5. • (a)  Introduction. • (1)  In Grade 5, students learn about the history of the United States from its early beginnings to the present with a focus on colonial times through the 20th century. Historical content includes the colonial and revolutionary periods, the establishment of the United States, and issues that led to the Civil War. An overview of major events and significant individuals of the late-19th century and the 20th century is provided. Students learn about a variety of regions in the United States that result from physical features and human activity and identify how people adapt to and modify the environment.

3. TEKS (continued) • (b)  Knowledge and skills. (4)  History. The student understands political, economic, and social changes that occurred in the United States during the 19th century. The student is expected to: (B)  identify reasons people moved west (C)  identify examples of U.S. territorial expansion

4. Students will learn…. • What led to westward expansion • Where the pioneers moved and how • What life was like on the western frontier • Understand how this led to America’s settlement • Certain activities for Westward Expansion

5. Possible Lessons • Arts and Crafts with pioneer drawings and creating a covered wagon • Reading Little House on the Prairie books or Dear America: The Heading West Box Collection • Skits/Dress Up (Westward Movement game) • Write a letter illustrating pioneer life • Group Project

6. Resources • TEKS: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter113/ch113a.html • Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ • Letters: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLAPioneerLife47.htm • Westward Movement Game: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MDSSLAMathWestwardExpansionProjectIdeas46.htm